In a major humanitarian gesture, Nigerian bank chief executive officers (CEOs) donated essential relief materials to support victims of the recent floods in Mokwa local government area of Niger state.
Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago received the items on Saturday in Abuja on behalf of the state, according to a statement on Sunday.
The delegation was led by Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs and Group Managing Director of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).
The donation includes food supplies such as bags of rice, beverages, vegetable oil, and mattresses — aimed at alleviating the suffering of thousands affected by the floods.
Recall that devastating flood on May 29, killed over 200 people, affected 503 households and displaced 3,018 residents.
Three bridges in the area were submerged and destroyed, posing a logistics nightmare for humanitarian workers.
Alawuba said the disaster triggered a show of solidarity from the banking community.
He described the gesture as part of their commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.
“Today, we stand with the people of Niger State in their time of need,” Alawuba said.
“This donation is just the beginning. We pledge continued collaboration with the state government to ensure long-term recovery and resilience.”
According to the statement, banking leaders present at the handover included Adaora Umeoji, GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank; Hassan Imam, MD/CEO of Keystone Bank; Hamid Joda, MD of TAJ Bank; and Akin Morakinyo, registrar of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
Also present were senior government officials and media representatives, who also attended the presentation ceremony.
Expressing his gratitude, Bago described the gesture as timely and impactful.
“This gesture reinforces the critical role of private-sector partnerships in disaster response,” the governor said.
“On behalf of the people of Mokwa and Niger State, I thank the banking sector for standing with us during this challenging time.
“This donation is not just about relief items, it’s a symbol of hope and the power of collaboration.”
Bago also said the floods caused immense hardship across communities, commending the banking industry for going beyond financial stewardship to demonstrate humanitarian leadership.