The Honorable Commissioner for the Yobe State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. Mairo A. Amshi, MFR, held a special ceremony to recognize and honor the staff and volunteers of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for their exceptional efforts during the Maiduguri flood rescue operations, on September 30, 2024.
The commendation came in response to the agency’s significant contributions in aiding neighboring Borno State during a time of crisis.
The recognition event was a moment of pride for SEMA as the Executive Secretary, along with his team, visited the office of the Commissioner to receive formal accolades.
Their efforts were part of a collaborative rescue mission, aimed at supporting Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, which had been severely impacted by devastating floods.
In her address, Dr. Mairo Amshi expressed profound appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice demonstrated by the SEMA team. “As a mother, when I witnessed the devastating flood in Maiduguri, my first instinct was to pray for Allah’s intervention to ease the suffering of the affected people. The situation was heartbreaking for everyone involved,” she said. “As the Commissioner, I cannot overstate my admiration for the leadership and commitment your team displayed. You did not just respond to a disaster, you showed our brothers and sisters in Borno that we are united in our humanity. The teamwork and dedication you exhibited, which saved many lives, is commendable. On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, whose objectives we all strive to achieve, I am honored to present this certificate of commendation and recognition to each and every one of you.”
The Commissioner went on to encourage the team to remain steadfast in their commitment to humanitarian work, reminding them that their efforts reflected the values and principles that Yobe State stands for.
 She challenged them to continue to uphold these values and to maintain the same level of dedication in future rescue and relief missions.
 “This commendation is not just for what you have done, but also for what I know you will continue to do. Keep making us proud, and keep adhering to the highest humanitarian principles,” Dr. Amshi added.
During the ceremony, certificates of commendation were presented to all members of the team who participated in the Maiduguri rescue efforts.
 This included not only the field officers and volunteers but also the drivers of the bus, ambulance, and rescue boat, whose roles were critical in ensuring swift and efficient response to the flood disaster.
The Executive Secretary of SEMA took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the state government and the Honorable Commissioner for recognizing the agency’s efforts.
He emphasized that this gesture of appreciation was a first for many of the staff and volunteers, and that it would greatly boost their morale.
“This recognition from the state government is a great honor for us, and it comes at a time when our teams are more committed than ever to serving the people of Yobe and beyond. We are deeply grateful, and this will undoubtedly inspire us to work even harder in the future,” he said.
 He also pledged the agency’s continued close collaboration with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, ensuring that the key objectives of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration are met, particularly in disaster response and humanitarian interventions.
Several volunteers and staff members who had been directly involved in the rescue operations shared their personal experiences during the ceremony.
Many spoke of the emotional toll the flood had taken, as well as the challenges they faced while navigating the flooded areas to provide relief.
Despite the difficulties, they expressed their deep gratitude for the recognition of their hard work. “Being a part of the rescue mission was both challenging and rewarding. We were driven by the desire to help those in desperate need, and we’re humbled that our efforts are being acknowledged by the state government,” said one volunteer.
The commendation ceremony ended on a positive note, with renewed energy and enthusiasm among the SEMA staff and volunteers to continue their work in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.
The recognition was not only seen as an honor but also as a reminder of the important role that the agency plays in protecting lives and property during times of crisis.
