Alhaji Kashim Imam, former Parliamentary Liaison Officer to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has initiated a food distribution program for victims displaced by the recent floods that engulfed over half of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and its surrounding areas.
Imam, who also served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) under President Muhammadu Buhari, explained that this effort was crucial to alleviate the suffering of the displaced residents.
The devastating floods claimed over 30 lives, destroyed 23,000 homes, and displaced 414,000 people. Critical infrastructure—bridges, roads, power systems, healthcare facilities, and schools—was severely damaged, and around one million people lost their livelihoods.
Known for his philanthropic work, Imam relocated to Maiduguri to oversee the distribution of meals to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across the region.
Speaking at a press briefing, he expressed deep sorrow over the scale of the tragedy. The loss of lives, properties, and the displacement of people is beyond words. Sadly, as the waters recede, more bodies are being discovered.
Imam emphasized the urgency of providing food, saying, Many victims haven’t eaten in days. The immediate concern is to ensure they have enough to eat, while other challenges will be addressed as the situation improves.
Responding to Governor Zulum’s appeal, Imam announced that he has committed to distributing 200,000 food packs, beginning with 6,000 meals per day, with plans to increase to 10,000 daily.
He noted that this initiative is the first phase of his intervention, with long-term plans to support flood victims through short, medium, and long-term strategies.
Reflecting on the disaster, Imam remarked, Every indigene of Borno is heartbroken by the devastation. Hundreds of lives have been lost, and more bodies are still being found.
Thousands are homeless, their homes destroyed in the middle of the night when no one was prepared. Out of 15 wards in Maiduguri, 11 have been severely affected, with some people still trapped in their homes.
Imam’s efforts aim to provide immediate relief while laying the groundwork for future recovery initiatives.
