Recall that the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, recentlyย approvedย 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.
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.
flag off food distribution in Yobe
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.
โThis 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,โ 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.
Earlier, the ministryโs 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 administrationโs dedication to addressing both humanitarian and developmental concerns in the state.
โProviding food to vulnerable citizens is not merely an act of charity; it is a responsibility and an investment in a better future,โ the governor said.
He added that the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention aligns with the state governmentโs ongoing efforts to mitigate economic hardship and strengthen food security for disadvantaged populations across all 17 local government areas.
