African Parliamentarians Show Solidarity With Nigerian Flood Victims

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has expressed deep concern and solidarity with the victims of the recent devastating floods in Nigeria and other parts of Africa..

The Conference of Speakers, currently meeting in Midrand, South Africa, issued a statement highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive response to the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

The statement, signed by PAP President Hon. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira, emphasizes the critical role of climate change and inadequate infrastructure in exacerbating the disaster.

The Nigerian delegation, led by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu repeatedly brought the plight of the affected Nigerians to the attention of the Conference.

The floods have displaced over a million people in Nigeria alone, leaving countless families without shelter, food, water, and access to healthcare.

The PAP Conference calls for immediate humanitarian assistance, urging African governments and the international community to provide vital resources such as food, medical supplies, shelter, and psychological support to those affected.

Beyond immediate relief, the Conference stresses the need for long-term solutions:

• Strengthening Disaster Preparedness: Investing in disaster risk reduction and management strategies, including improved infrastructure, early warning systems, and comprehensive response plans.
• Promoting Climate Resilience: Tackling the root causes of climate change through sustainable land management practices, renewable energy investment, and environmentally sound development strategies.
• Facilitating Regional Cooperation: Sharing best practices, resources, and knowledge to collectively manage flood risks and respond to humanitarian crises.
• Advocating for Long-term Solutions: Addressing poverty, inequality, and lack of access to essential services to build resilience against future disasters.
• Strengthening Community Engagement: Involving local communities in disaster planning and response efforts, leveraging their knowledge and experiences to develop effective strategies.

The PAP Conference concludes with a powerful message of unity and action: “We stand united in our commitment to support the people of Nigeria and all flood victims across Africa.
“Our solidarity must translate into concrete actions that prioritize human dignity and resilience in the face of adversity.
“Together, we can build a more resilient Africa, capable of weathering the storms of climate change and ensuring a better future for all its citizens.”

This statement underscores the urgent need for a collective response to the devastating floods in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

It serves as a call to action for African governments, international organizations, and communities to work together to alleviate suffering, build resilience, and prevent future tragedies.