FG Launches Emergency Food, Nutrition, Drug Intervention in Sokoto
FG Launches Emergency Food, Nutrition, Drug Intervention in Sokoto
From Shehu M Wamakko
The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Assistance, alongside essential drugs, to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups across ten Northern states, with Sokoto State hosting the official flag-off of the programme.
The ceremony, held at the Government House, Sokoto, was attended by top government officials, development partners and key stakeholders in the humanitarian sector.
Flagging off the intervention, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable Nigerians and ensuring that humanitarian support reaches those most in need.
Dr. Sununu explained that the intervention targets women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and IDPs in the beneficiary states.
He said the initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises social protection, food security and human capital development.
He commended the Sokoto State Government for its cooperation, describing the exercise as evidence of effective collaboration between the Federal and state governments in addressing humanitarian challenges.
The Minister assured that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs would ensure transparency and accountability throughout the distribution process.
With Ramadan fast approaching.
Dr. Sununu noted that the intervention would provide relief to vulnerable households and enable them to observe the fasting period with ease, urging beneficiaries to use the assistance responsibly.
In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Aliyu thanked the Federal Government for selecting Sokoto as the centre of the intervention.
He described the programme as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s resolve to tackle food insecurity,
malnutrition and hardship among vulnerable populations.
Governor Aliyu stated that since assuming office two years ago, his administration has prioritised the welfare of vulnerable groups.
He disclosed that the state government had distributed 1,095 bags of rice and ₦347 million to families affected by banditry in seven local government areas, in addition to hundreds of bags of maize, beans and other essential food items.
The Governor commended President Tinubu for his leadership, noting that the Federal Government’s food and nutrition programme aligns with Sokoto State’s social intervention initiatives.
Ahead of Ramadan, Governor Aliyu announced that the state government is distributing 50kg bags of maize and ₦50,000 cash support to 1,000 beneficiaries, including orphans, widows, persons with disabilities, IDPs and the elderly.
He also highlighted collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which facilitated the construction of 100 housing units for IDPs in Illela Local Government Area, with plans to extend similar interventions to other communities.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Alhasan Cigari praised both the Federal and State Governments for their commitment to humanitarian causes, describing the initiative as a reflection of compassion, social responsibility and Islamic values.
