The Federal Government delivered 42,000 metric tonnes of various food commodities to the Kano State Government for distribution to vulnerable individuals.
Hajiya Zubaida Umar, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), presented these items to Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf, on Monday in Kano.
Umar was represented by Dr. Ishaya Isah-Chonoko, NEMA’s Acting Zonal Director for the Northwest.
Umar stated that this initiative is part of the federal government’s effort to alleviate the high cost of food in the country.
“President Bola Ahmed has approved the release of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve,” she said.
This action is in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to mitigate the impact of the current economic downturn.
“We are here to hand over the food items to the state government for distribution to identified beneficiaries in the communities through established committees in each local government,” Umar explained.
The food supplies include 19,360 bags of 50kg maize, 26,400 bags of 50kg sorghum, and 8,360 bags of 50kg millet.
Following the President’s directives, Umar noted that 20 percent of the food items allocated to each local government area (LGA) should be given to religious organizations, while boarding schools in each LGA will receive 3 percent of the items.
Additionally, Umar highlighted the 2024 Seasonal Climate and annual flood predictions, warning that 25 states and 72 local government areas are at high risk of flooding during April, May, and June.
Specific areas in Kano State at high risk include Tofa, RiminGado, Kabo, Madobi, Kura, Dawakin Kudu, Wudil, Ajingi, GarumMalam, Bebeji, Sumaila, Dala, Rano, and Warawa.
She urged the state government to ensure that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), local government authorities, and other response agencies remain prepared.
Proactive measures should include public enlightenment campaigns, identifying high grounds for potential Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, and clearing drainages.
Governor Kabir-Yusuf expressed gratitude to the federal government for its support to the needy and vulnerable in the state.
He stated that these food items would significantly alleviate the economic hardships faced by people in the 44 local government areas of Kano State.
The governor also acknowledged the efforts of the DG NEMA, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and Dr. Nura Abdullahi, NEMA’s Kano/Jigawa Territorial Coordinator, for their support.
Kabir-Yusuf called on the committees in each local government to adhere to the federal government’s directives in distributing the food items and encouraged beneficiaries to use the items wisely.
