The Birth of Nigerian Disaster Emergency Appeal Fund (NDEMAF)

Nigerian Disaster Emergency Appeal Fund (NDEMAF), an initiative of Arisenigeria and Nigerian Women in Diaspora Leadership Forum (NWIDLF) is a voluntary group based in the UK; set up to raise funds and material support in aid of disaster victims in Nigeria.  NDEMAF is devoted to mobilising Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to help victims of disaster across Nigeria and where possible other countries.

Nigeria has experienced many natural disasters in 2010. In August, thousands of families became homeless, many missing and feared dead across 12 Local Government areas in the northern Nigerian states of Kano and Jigawa following floods from Kano River.  In early September, it was a sad day in the lives of the victims of the Sokoto and Kebbi States, Northern region of Nigeria. After a heavy downpour, over 50 lives were lost, over 8,000 houses & 12,000 farmlands were destroyed and over 35,000 people were rendered homeless across 50 towns.  In October, disaster struck in Nigeria’s Lagos State leaving 400 homes and shops destroyed following released water from the Oyan Dam. The victims of these disasters are temporarily housed in various schools and public buildings. They urgently need food, clean drinking water, medical care and usual basic necessities.

The President of Nigeria, Jonathan Goodluck, Governors of the affected states and other Nigerians has donated money and relief items, but the need to support the efforts of our Government remain crucial.

NDEMAF is campaigning for Nigerians at home and abroad and friends of Nigeria to help by donating money, clothes, shoes, toys, children’s books, non perishable food and other household items to assist victims of flood disasters. 

 The Nigeria High Commission in the UK supports the launch of this initiative.  On Saturday 20 November 2010 from 11AM–6PM, NDEMAF is appealing to Nigerians and friends of Nigerians in the UK, to kindly bring all donations to the embassy at 9 Northumberland Avenue London WC2N 5BX. 

Signed

Toun Okewale

Nigerian Disaster Emergency Appeal Fund (NDEMAF)