**As Niger Government Says Over 1,000 Still Missing
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has donated N20 million to support victims of the devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, which claimed over 153 lives and affected more than 3,000 households.
During a condolence visit to the Niger State Government House on Monday, Obi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and emphasized national unity, stating, “Whatever happens to Niger, happens to Nigeria.”
He was received by the state’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, who disclosed that over 1,000 people remain missing nearly a week after the flood.
While commiserating with the people, Obi also criticized Nigeria’s continued ranking among the world’s hungriest nations despite vast agricultural potential. He cited states like Niger and Borno as capable of feeding the country and exporting surplus food if given the right investment.
“Nigeria has no reason to be among the top hungriest countries in the world. With serious investment in agriculture, we can lift millions out of poverty,” Obi said.
Citing Bangladesh’s success in rice production, Obi called for urgent agricultural reforms and infrastructure development, stressing the need to harness local resources to combat hunger and poverty.
He was accompanied by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Sabi Abdullahi.
Deputy Governor Garba echoed Obi’s concerns, warning that the destruction of Mokwa’s main water line poses serious public health risks and could trigger an epidemic. He described the flood as a “national catastrophe” and called for urgent support from both governmental and non-governmental organizations.