The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Assistance to 20,000 households across ten Northern states, targeting vulnerable populations.
The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, formally inaugurated the distribution at the Government House in Sokoto State. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most.
“The intervention targets 20,000 households as beneficiaries across ten Northern states, including women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and IDPs. The initiative reflects President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes social protection, food security, and human capital development,” Dr. Sununu said.
He commended the Sokoto State Government for its cooperation and support in hosting the national exercise, describing it as a demonstration of effective collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments in addressing humanitarian needs.
Dr. Sununu assured that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs would maintain strict oversight to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution process. With Ramadan approaching, he said the intervention would provide much-needed relief to vulnerable households, enabling them to observe the fast with ease. He also urged beneficiaries to use the assistance judiciously.
In his remarks, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for choosing Sokoto as the centre of the intervention. He described the programme as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling food insecurity, malnutrition, and other challenges facing the most vulnerable.
Governor Aliyu highlighted that since assuming office two years ago, his administration has consistently placed the welfare of vulnerable groups at the core of its development agenda. He revealed that the state had distributed 1,095 bags of rice and ₦347 million to families affected by banditry in seven local government areas. The state also distributed hundreds of bags of essential food items, including rice, maize, and beans, alongside financial support.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the Federal Government’s nutrition and food intervention aligns with Sokoto State’s programmes for vulnerable populations.
In preparation for Ramadan, Governor Aliyu announced that the Sokoto State Government is distributing 50kg bags of maize and ₦50,000 cash assistance to 1,000 beneficiaries to complement the Federal Government’s intervention.
