The Federal Government of Nigeria has donated $2 million in cash, food, medical supplies and other relief materials for victims of the recent mudslide in Sierra Leone.
A high-level Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, comprising: the Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Engr. Mustapha Maihaja, and Hajiya Zainab Sharif from the Federal Ministry of Health, amongst others were received at the State House in Freetown by President Ernest Bai koroma.
Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama who said he was sent by President Buhari expressed profound sadness.
In his words:
“On behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari and the people of Nigeria for the August 14 tragedy. The history of the two countries goes far back and the blood of both countries runs through the same veins. Nigeria would stand by Sierra Leone.”
President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, while thanking President Muhammadu Buhari whom he referred to as a brother noted that President Buhari was “One of the first Heads of States to call and sympathize with us when the incident occurred.” He added that support from Nigeria to Sierra Leone is not new and recalled support provided during the eleven year civil war, the support during the unprecedented ebola epidemic and now during this mudslide and flood disaster. He also expressed delight over President Buhari’s return to Nigeria after successful medical treatment in the United Kingdom.
The items presented on behalf of President Buhari were $1 million cash donation, as well as 315 metic tones of assorted food and other relief items, and over 4,000 medical supplies all amounting to another $1 million.