Borno State Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Usman Kadafur, on Thursday flagged off the distribution of Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Items aimed at addressing food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households in the state.
The intervention forms part of the Federal Government’s humanitarian response targeting the most affected states in Northern Nigeria.
Launching the exercise at Ramat Square, Maiduguri, Dr Kadafur described the initiative as timely and critical to easing the hardship faced by internally displaced persons and other vulnerable families affected by years of conflict and economic challenges.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to improving food security, stabilising nutrition and enhancing the welfare of Nigerians, particularly in conflict-affected communities.
According to him, food security remains a moral imperative and a key foundation for sustainable peace and development in Borno State.
The Deputy assured stakeholders that the distribution would be carried out with transparency, fairness and accountability, stressing that the intervention represents hope for struggling families, children, pregnant women and the elderly.
He also commended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction for his leadership and consistent advocacy for vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, said the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention covers 10 of the most humanitarian-affected states Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Benue, Niger, Plateau, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi.
He explained that the programme is a coordinated national response to multiple shocks arising from conflict, climate change and economic pressures.
According to him, the Federal Government has approved and mobilised large quantities of food and nutrition items nationwide, including rice, beans, millet, maize, cooking oil, fortified food supplements, condiments, salt and essential medicines.
Dr Doro noted that Borno State remains a priority beneficiary due to prolonged displacement and socio-economic disruption, adding that the intervention goes beyond emergency relief to protect lives, restore dignity and build resilience, local food production and self-reliance.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Acting Governor, commissioners, special advisers and other top government officials.
