Hardship: FG gifts Benue Govt bags of maize, garri for vulnerable people
The Federal Government, through NEMA, has delivered 42,000MT of maize, millet, sorghum, and garri to Benue state to ease food price challenges. President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prompted the release from the National Strategic Reserve. Governor Alia aims for Benue’s agricultural self-sufficiency and thanked the federal support. BENUE-SEMA received the aid, emphasizing its crucial role in food security amidst crises. The initiative targets fair distribution to all LGAs, including allocations for religious bodies and schools as directed.
The Federal Government has handed over assorted food commodities to Benue state for onward distribution to vulnerable people in the state to cushion the effect of high cost of food items in the country.
Speaking in Makurdi on Thursday during the handover ceremony, the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, recalled that In fulfillment of his promise to reduce the impact of the current economic down-turn being experienced in the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the release of 42,000MT Metric Tones of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve under the custody of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMOA&FS).
She said the assorted food commodities include maize, millet, sorghum, and garri.
Umar who was represented by the Zonal Director, NEMA, North Central, Garega Bashir, said after sharing the commodities, Benue was allocated 897MT of maize being 17,940 bags of 50kg and 1O8MT of garri amounting to 4,324 bags of 25kg.
While noting that the food items will be shared equally to all the LGAs in the State, the DG
“Also, based on the directives of Mr President, 20% of the food Items due for each LGA should be given to religious organizations (JNI and CAN) and 3% to be given to boarding schools in the LGAs.”
The state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia who was represented by his Principal Private Secretary (PPS), Dr Emmanuel Chenge, said the Government was working assiduously to ensure that, in no distance time, Benue would feed not only her citizens or Nigerians but the world as a whole.
He explained that his administration was also working tirelessly to encourage all Benue people to go back to their farms for increased food production.
He appreciated the federal government for complementing his efforts at providing for the Benue populace.
Receiving the food items on behalf of the Benue state Government, the Executive Secretary of Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BENUE-SEMA), Sir James Iorpuu said the initiative, spearheaded by NEMA is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring food security and providing support to communities in need, particularly in times of crisis.
He said their presence underscores the collective effort and solidarity to support Governor Alia’s led administration in addressing the challenges faced by the people in Benue communities.
Iorpuu noted that Benue State, known for its rich agricultural heritage, has faced significant challenges in recent years, including herder’s farmer’s crisis and devastating floods that have disrupted lives, displaced families, and severely impacted the agricultural sector.
“Today’s presentation of grains is more than just an act of giving; it is a beacon of hope and a step towards recovery and rebuilding.
“The grains we receive today will provide essential sustenance to thousands of families, alleviating hunger and offering relief to those most affected by recent adversities.”
He said the food items would also help stabilize communities and provide a foundation to rebuild lives and livelihoods.
He promised fair and efficient distribution of the grains to the most vulnerable members of the communities and commended the local authorities, community leaders, and all individuals who have been tirelessly working on the front lines of disaster relief and recovery urging them to remain hopeful and united.
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