Dear Brothers and Sisters of Nigeria,

It is with a heavy heart that I write this message, knowing that many of you are enduring unimaginable hardship in the wake of the catastrophic floods that have swept through northern Nigeria. The recent collapse of a dam has caused widespread devastation, particularly in Borno State, where thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes. I offer my deepest condolences to all those affected by this disaster, and my thoughts are with you during this time of immense suffering.

The flooding has not only destroyed homes but has also torn apart communities, leaving families displaced and vulnerable. The images and stories coming from the region are heart-wrenching—countless lives have been upended, and the road to recovery seems daunting. The floods have claimed not only property and livelihoods but also the sense of security that we often take for granted.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has swiftly mobilized to provide emergency food assistance to the communities hardest hit by this disaster. The magnitude of the flooding, however, has compounded an already critical humanitarian crisis in the region. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), over one million Nigerians have been affected, with many still struggling to access basic necessities such as food, clean water, and shelter. The sheer scale of this tragedy is overwhelming, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

In response to this dire situation, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is working tirelessly to conduct rescue operations and distribute sandbags in an effort to mitigate further damage. These brave men and women are on the frontlines, doing everything in their power to save lives and prevent further destruction. However, the challenges they face are immense. As Mr. Mohammed, a rescue worker on the ground, noted, "We’re in the field conducting rescue operations, but the situation is overwhelming. At one point, we found ourselves trapped while trying to assist others." These words are a stark reminder of the incredible bravery of our responders, as well as the gravity of the disaster at hand.

To further assist the affected communities, media leaders from across Nigeria have come together to launch an initiative aimed at mobilizing both local and international support. Under the leadership of Kadaria Ahmed, founder of RadioNow, this initiative has united prominent media organizations, including PREMIUM TIMES, ThisDay, Daar Communications, Channels TV, Tozali TV, VON, Women Radio, and Family Love FM. Their collective goal is to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis and to gather much-needed resources to support those affected by the floods. This show of solidarity from Nigeria’s media is not only commendable but also necessary, as the road to recovery will require a coordinated and sustained effort from all sectors of society.

Yet, even as we witness the outpouring of support and aid from various quarters, it is clear that much more needs to be done. The scale of the disaster is testing the capacity of emergency responders, humanitarian organizations, and local authorities alike. The displaced families who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, and their sense of security cannot be left to fend for themselves. They need our help—immediate, sustained, and comprehensive.

At Global 21, we have always believed in the power of community, solidarity, and action. In moments like these, we are reminded of the importance of standing together in the face of adversity. Our brothers and sisters in northern Nigeria need us now more than ever. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, we all have a role to play in alleviating the suffering of those affected by this disaster.

As we navigate this crisis, it is important to remember that the road to recovery will not be easy or quick. Many of the displaced families will need long-term support, not just in rebuilding their homes but also in restoring their livelihoods and sense of community. The trauma of losing everything cannot be erased overnight, and the psychological toll of such a disaster will linger for years to come. As such, we must commit to providing ongoing assistance, ensuring that the affected communities are not forgotten once the initial wave of media attention subsides.

In times of crisis, the strength and resilience of the human spirit are often tested, but it is also in these moments that we witness the best of humanity. The outpouring of support from local and international organizations, the bravery of the rescue workers, and the solidarity shown by the media leaders in Nigeria all serve as reminders of what we can achieve when we come together in the face of adversity. While the challenges ahead are immense, I have faith that, with the collective efforts of our global community, we will help those affected by this disaster rebuild their lives.

To my brothers and sisters of Nigeria, I want to offer a message of hope. While the floods have brought devastation and loss, they have also brought forth an outpouring of love, solidarity, and action from people around the world. You are not alone in this struggle. People from all corners of the globe are standing with you, ready to support you in whatever way they can. While the road ahead may seem long and difficult, please take solace in knowing that you have a global community behind you, offering their strength, compassion, and resources.

In closing, I want to once again offer my deepest condolences to all those affected by the floods in northern Nigeria. My heart goes out to the families who have lost loved ones, to those who have been displaced, and to the communities struggling to recover from this tragedy. At Global 21, we are committed to doing everything in our power to raise awareness about this crisis and to mobilize support for those in need. Together, we can help rebuild what has been lost and work towards a brighter future for all.

Maiduguri Flood Response

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With heartfelt sympathy and solidarity,

Tucker J Mendoza

SpillWarrior

Founder, Global 21 Newsletter