Alhaji Kashim Imam, former Parliamentary Liaison Officer to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has initiated the distribution of cooked meals to those displaced by the recent floods that devastated Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, and its surroundings. The flood submerged more than half of the city, leading to significant loss of life and property.
The disaster has claimed over 30 lives, destroyed 23,000 homes, and displaced 414,000 people. Critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and healthcare facilities, has been severely impacted, leaving approximately one million people without their livelihoods.
Imam, a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), relocated to Maiduguri to personally oversee the distribution of food to camps for internally displaced persons. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Imam expressed deep sorrow for the lives lost and the devastation caused by the flood.
“We are deeply saddened by the sheer number of lives lost, and unfortunately, bodies are still being discovered as the water recedes,” Imam said. “The immediate need is food. People have gone days without eating, and that’s our immediate focus. In line with Governor Zulum’s appeal, we’ve started providing food and water. We have already distributed 6,000 food packs daily, aiming to increase that number to 10,000.”
Imam, a former gubernatorial candidate in Borno State, emphasized that food distribution is just the first phase of his intervention, with plans for medium and long-term support to follow.
Fatima Imam, one of Kashim Imam’s daughters, shared insights into the behind-the-scenes efforts, revealing that her family has been working tirelessly to ensure meals reach those affected. “We cook at least 20 bags of rice every day, sometimes more, to ensure we feed as many people as possible,” she said.
The flood, which struck in the dead of night, caught many residents off guard, with large areas of Maiduguri still struggling to recover. Out of the city’s 15 wards, 11 were severely affected, leaving thousands homeless and trapped in inaccessible areas.
The meal distribution continues as Imam’s team works to alleviate the suffering of the displaced, with hopes of long-term recovery in the months to come.
