The Federal Government has fallen off the nationwide emergency food and nutrition support for vulnerable, as part of a strategic intervention to mitigate rising food insecurity and restore hope to conflict-affected communities.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony at the Ramat Square, Maiduguri yesterday, The Acting Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, described the gesture as a “timely and compassionate response” to the peculiar situation in the state.
Alhaji Kadafyr said “Food security is not merely a social obligation; it is a moral imperative and a cornerstone of sustainable peace and development,.
“In Borno State, our administration remains resolute in ensuring that no citizen is left behind in our collective quest for stability and prosperity , Kafur stated.
While commending President Tinubu for his “unwavering commitment” to safeguarding food security in Borno and across Nigeria, Dr Kadafur further noted that the distribution exercise.
“symbolizes hope for families struggling to meet their daily nutritional needs and communities striving to rebuild their lives. We assure all stakeholders that the process will be conducted with transparency, fairness, and accountability.”
The exercise, spearheaded by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, saw the deployment of thousands of bags of essential grains and specialized nutrition supplements to the state, which has been the epicenter of a decade-long insurgency.
Earlier speaking, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Dr Bernard Doro, stated that the initiative was an emergency measure directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address food and nutrition challenges acing the nation.
The Minister said: “This reflects the government’s commitment to food security and economic development,” the Minister said. “The President has insisted that no Nigerian should go hungry, and this program is a vital part of the government’s efforts toward restoring hope.”
The approved relief items include a comprehensive basket of staples: rice, beans, millet, maize, garri, tomato paste, and salt. Specifically, the ministry announced the allocation of 8,566 bags (each) of millet, rice, and maize, alongside “Tom Brown” (a nutrient-rich cereal blend) and other assorted essentials.”
The Minister emphasized that the support is designed to provide immediate relief while representing “sustainability, resilience, and the restoration of dignity., adding that the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities must be prioritized during the exercise.
Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya,called for transparency. In the process by calling on all the implementing partners to ensure that the items reach the intended vulnerable population without diversion..
In his remarks, the Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Hon. Tijjani Ahmed, also lauded the synergy between the federal and state governments.and specifically acknowledged the Borno State Government’s efforts in the recent repatriation of 3,000 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon.
The event witnessed the symbolic presentation of food packs to selected beneficiaries.
His votes of thanks , one of beneficiaries, Imam Goni Umar expressed gratitude to the government, noting that the intervention would significantly ease the hardship faced by many families in the state.
The distribution in Borno marks the first phase of a broader federal roadmap to provide a humanitarian cushion across all 36 states of the federation.
Another beneficiary , Hauwa Ali, expressed happiness for being selected to participate in the programme, saying “I was just at home when I got the invite to be part of the beneficiaries for this programme; I’m so happy because they gave me half a bag of rice, beans and millet each, and some condiments to go home with.”
