In a show of solidarity following the devastating floods that struck Maiduguri, the President Emmanuel Okafor–led Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) paid a visit to Professor Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno State.
Retired Brigadier General Kukasheka Usman, a spokeswoman for AANI, stated that the visit is another proof of the organization's dedication to the well-being of its members, national unity, and solidarity.
Ambassador Okafor, speaking during the tour, conveyed the association's profound sympathy for the Borno State government and people in the wake of the devastating floods. He stressed that upon hearing about the tragedy, AANI could not stay apathetic and felt compelled to travel to provide moral and financial support.
Ambassador Okafor expressed his country's "sympathy and empathy" with the people and administration of Borno State. With Governor Zulum mni at the helm of the state, one of our most esteemed members, this is of paramount importance to us. He praised him as an exemplary leader and said that Borno's citizens are lucky to have him in charge.
"We cannot question the will of Allah, but we are here to show our support for the Governor and the resilient people of Borno who have remained focused in the face of adversity," the AANI President highlighted, praising the Borno people's ability to persevere. The sense of unity and kindness is what matters most, even though AANI does not have a lot of money.
On behalf of AANI, he handed out a N10 million cheque to aid with the flood relief operations, symbolizing unity in action.
The governor of Borno State, Zulum, responded by welcoming the AANI group with open arms and expressing his deepest appreciation for their visit and the compassion they displayed for the state's residents. For their unity and care for the people affected by the recent floods in Maiduguri, he expressed his gratitude to AANI.
Our gratitude for your presence here today is profound, and the Governor promised that it would be remembered forever. Both the monetary assistance and your decision to come see us in person to soothe us are greatly appreciated. The people of Borno are very touched by it.
Recognizing AANI's ongoing endeavors to rebrand itself as a catalyst for constructive change in Nigeria, Governor Zulum lauded the organization's leadership under Ambassador Okafor mni. He promised that the flood relief funds will be spent wisely, especially to help the victims get back on their feet and the impacted areas get back to normal.
It was his firm belief that every kobo would be put to good use in helping the impacted and restoring what had been destroyed.
Two former AANI presidents, Engineer Mohammed Gambo Umar mni and IGP MD Abubakar (rtd) CFR mni, were among those who accompanied the organization president, along with multiple members of the AANI National Executive Committee. Additionally, there were representatives from the AANI branches in Borno and Yobe State, highlighting the extensive support for the Governor and the people of Borno.
The fact that numerous high-ranking officials from Borno State's government were present at the occasion further demonstrated the importance of the visit.
The AANI group visited the Shehu of Borno as part of their agenda, demonstrating their dedication to promoting national unity and collaboration.
Not only did the trip show the AANI members' strong sense of solidarity, but it also gave the administration and people of Borno State the support they needed. Good governance, national solidarity, and humanitarian ideals are what the association is all about, and this event served as a reminder of that.
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