TAJ Foundation donates 18 trucks of 10,800 assorted bags of rice to Borno, other north east states

By: James Bwala, Maiduguri

TAJ Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) has donated 18 trucks of 10,800 50kg bags of rice for distribution to Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa and Gombe North Eastern states.

Flagging of the presentation of the consignment at the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Central Store in Maiduguri on Wednesday, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustee of TAJ Foundation, Dr. Mairo Mandara said, “each of the six states in the zone will receive 3 trucks of 50kg bags of rice for onward distribution to the vulnerable groups especially Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs.”

While handing over letter of delivery of the food items to Borno State Governor, ably represented by the Director General of SEMA, Hajiya Yabawa Kolo, Mandara said, the Foundation which got its funding from all interest generated by TAJBank is writing the letter as confirmation of the donation and delivery of 1,800 bags of (3 trucks) of rice as part of the Foundation’s support to reduce the sufferings of IDPs in Borno.

“We hope this sincere donation has been received in good faith and will effect change and further assist the State Government’s pre-existing efforts in battling the effects of poverty through support to the needy and vulnerable groups in the society.” She said,

TAJBank according to Mandara is an Islamic Bank which is Sharia compliance; meaning that, all the monies generated as interest are completely accrued to the Foundation for supporting the vulnerable ones in the society.

“TAJBank Foundation is a wholly not-for-profit organization aimed at empowering disadvantaged Nigerians from all walks of life and also ensuring human resources development to ensure IDPs regain their means of livelihood.” She stated.

Responding, Hajiya Kolo thanked the Foundation for such a huge donation, as it would assist the Government in its Resettlement and Stabilization process.

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She assured for judicious distribution of the items donated for the purpose intended.

Meanwhile, the DG SEMA and her team were at the Borno State House of Assembly to defend the 2022 Budget of about N1.058,335,000 billion compared to that of  over N510 million last year 2020 budgeted.

In her defence before the Chairman House Committee on Governor’s Office, Boards and Parastatals, Hon Aji-Kolo Khadi and his team, the DG said, the slight increase for the 2022 SEMA’s budget was to enable the agency continue with the Resettlement and Stabilization exercise, even as huge amount would be needed for closure of all resettlement camps in Jere and Maiduguri metropolis before the end of December this year, stressing that, SEMA will also focus more on Research and Human Development in the 2022 fiscal year or after closure of officials camps to mitigate artificial and natural disaster occurrences..

She thanked the Committee for giving SEMA the opportunity and mandate to successfully implement the 2021 budget for upto 80%.

Hon Khadi appreciated SEMA, especially in partnering with the Borno State Government for the resettlement of about 115,000 IDPs back to their ancestral homes, in addition to the provision of life-support and palliatives. 

He said with the enormous tasks ahead, SEMA is at leverage to demand more budget for the 2022 fiscal year through supplementary or retirement, if the need arises, as according to him, his committee is ever ready to support SEMA achieve its core mandates. 

TAJ Foundation donates 18 trucks of 10,800 assorted bags of rice to Borno, other north east states