Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has called for a closer collaboration between the Private and Public sectors to attend to climate change issues and invest in infrastructure for water harvesting.
The Governor made the call at the Niger State liaison office Abuja, when he received the Body of Banks Chief Executive Officers CEOs on a condolence visit over the Mokwa flood disaster.
He said with such infrastructure, the excess water harvested can be used for all year-round food production without necessarily waiting for rain, thereby ensuring food security.
The Governor maintained that the unfortunate incidences of flood disasters can be mitigated if the water harvesting infrastructure is deliberately created.
He said there are a lot of opportunities for the banks to grow their profit, considering their importance to the growth of the Nigeria’s economy.
The Governor appreciated their visit, and for making donation of relief materials to the victims of the flood when the incident occurred.
The Group Managing Director of the United Bank of Africa UBA, and Chairman of the Body of Banks CEOs, Dr. Oliver Alawuba, attributed the disaster to the effects of climate change, describing the effect of the flood as very devastating.
He explained that the body of banks had already made their donations to the flood victims, but still saw the need to pay a condolence visit to the farmer Governor on the incident.
Dr. Alawuba applauded the State government for its swift response to the disaster, expressing hope that lessons have been learnt in terms of planning and sensitisation.
While also acknowledging the support of the State Government to banks, the Chairman of the body of banks assured their commitment to partner with the State government in making positive impact as their Corporate Social Responsibility CSR.
