Kasim Isa Muhammad
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction on Wednesday commenced the distribution of food items and other relief materials to 42,000 vulnerable individuals across the 17 local government areas of Yobe State.
The initiative forms part of the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention Programme, designed to address hunger, malnutrition and poverty while supporting the most at-risk populations nationwide.
Residents receiving relief materials at the Yobe State Government House in Damaturu.
Recall that the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, recently approved the distribution of Ramadan palliatives to vulnerable households across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
The intervention, coordinated by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, is aimed at cushioning the economic hardship faced by residents during the holy month.
The PUNCH gathered that truckloads of rice and other essential food commodities have been dispatched to all 17 LGs as part of what officials described as the second phase of the state’s Ramadan support programme.
Residents receiving relief materials at the Yobe State Government House in Damaturu.
At the official flag-off ceremony held at the Government House in Damaturu, the Minister of State for the ministry, Dr Yusuf Sununu, described the intervention as a strategic response to escalating humanitarian challenges across the country.
He explained that the combined impact of prolonged conflict and climate change had worsened poverty, increased food insecurity and heightened vulnerability, particularly among women, children, the elderly and persons living with disabilities. These factors, he said, have significantly disrupted food production and reduced household incomes.
According to the minister, the programme specifically targets internally displaced persons in camps and host communities, returning families, female-headed households, malnourished children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
He added that the food baskets and nutrition packages are structured to address urgent dietary needs while providing short-term stability for affected households.
“This intervention is part of a broader national strategy focused on strengthening social protection mechanisms, enhancing community resilience and supporting the transition from emergency assistance to sustainable livelihoods,” he stated.
Items distributed under the first phase of the programme include rice, beans, millet, maize, assorted grains, palm oil, cooking oil, tomatoes, seasoning cubes and salt. More than 42,000 individuals are expected to benefit.
The minister emphasised that the effort reflects the commitment of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to support citizens during periods of hardship.
Earlier, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya, noted that the programme aims to reduce food insecurity and tackle nutrition-related challenges in 10 northern states most affected by conflict and vulnerability. He assured that strict coordination and accountability mechanisms had been established to ensure transparency and effective distribution.
He further highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Yobe State Government to guarantee fairness and proper oversight, adding that feedback channels have been created to monitor implementation.
In his remarks, Buni reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to addressing both humanitarian and developmental concerns in the state.
“Providing food to vulnerable citizens is not merely an act of charity; it is a responsibility and an investment in a better future,” the governor said.
He added that the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention aligns with the state government’s ongoing efforts to mitigate economic hardship and strengthen food security for disadvantaged populations across all 17 local government areas.
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