NEMA DELIVERS 1,199.1MT FOOD COMMODITIES FOR DISTRIBUTION TO VULNERABLE PERSONS IN KEBBI STATE
In continuation of its distribution of food items from the National Strategic Reserve across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, delivered a total of 1,199.1 metric tonnes (MT) of assorted food commodities to the Kebbi State Government for distribution to vulnerable citizens of the State.
The items, which constitute the State’s allocation of the 42,000MT of food commodities approved for release by President Bola Ahmed, include 462 MT of maize (9,240 bags of 50kg), 537.6 MT of sorghum (10,752 bags of 50kg) and 199.5 MT of millet (3,990 bags of 50kg).
Presenting the items to the State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, in Birnin Kebbi, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said they would be shared equally to all the Local Government Areas in the State, adding that based on the directives of Mr. President, 20% of the food items due for each LGA should be given to religious organizations (JNI & CAN) and 3% to be given to boarding schools in the State.
Mrs. Umar also informed the Kebbi State Governor of the Seasonal Climate Prediction of flood this year as it may affect Kebbi State and urged the State Government to be proactive in taking necessary precautionary measures to mitigate against flooding in the communities.
According to the Director General, the Local Government Areas with high probable flood risk in the State include Bagudo, Ngaski, Yauri, Argungu, Suru, Augie, Jega, Maiyama, Koko/Besse, Sakaba, Gwandu, Dandi, Kalgo, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza and Aleiro Local Government Areas.
Receiving the food items, Governor Idris, who expressed appreciation to the President and the Federal Government “for timely delivery of the food items through NEMA to assist the vulnerable persons in the state”, described the gesture as evidence of commitment towards improving the quality of lives and welfare of the citizens.
While assuring that the items would be distributed to the target beneficiaries, the Governor, who noted that it would complement the efforts by the Kebbi State Government to address hunger and boost food production at the grassroots, also assured that the State Government would work with NEMA on the flood prediction to mitigate against the impact of the predicted flood in the State.
Meanwhile, the allocation of the food items for 12 states have been fully transported and handed over to the state governments by NEMA. The States include Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Kebbi, Plateau, Kogi, Ebonyi, Yobe, Delta, Enugu, Abia and Anambra States.
Giving assurance that it would soon conclude the distribution to all the states and the FCT, NEMA expressed its renewed commitment to conclude the assignment within shortest possible time.
