The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of food and relief materials to about 42,000 vulnerable residents across the 17 local government areas of Yobe State under the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention Programme.
The initiative, implemented through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is designed to reduce hunger, improve nutrition and support poor households facing economic hardship, particularly during the Ramadan period.
The programme targets some of the most vulnerable groups in society, including internally displaced persons, women-led households, malnourished children, elderly citizens and persons living with disabilities.
At the official flag-off ceremony held at the Government House in Damaturu, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, described the intervention as a strategic effort to address rising humanitarian challenges across the country.
According to him, several communities have been severely affected by prolonged conflict and climate-related disruptions that have weakened food production and reduced household incomes.
Sununu explained that the programme was carefully structured to provide immediate nutritional support while helping vulnerable families cope with the economic strain currently affecting many households.
“The combined impact of prolonged conflict and climate change has worsened poverty, increased food insecurity and heightened vulnerability, particularly among women, children, the elderly and persons living with disabilities,” he said.
He noted that the distribution includes essential food items packaged into food baskets and nutrition support packages meant to stabilise vulnerable households and help them meet their basic dietary needs.
Items being distributed under the programme include rice, beans, millet, maize, assorted grains, palm oil, cooking oil, tomatoes, seasoning cubes and salt.
Officials stated that the intervention forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen social protection systems and support communities struggling with food insecurity.
Sununu emphasised that the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to providing support to vulnerable citizens during difficult periods.
“This 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,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya, also noted that the programme is part of a wider humanitarian response covering several northern states affected by insecurity and economic vulnerability.
He explained that the ministry has put in place strong coordination and accountability systems to ensure the transparent distribution of the food items across all the targeted communities.
Olusanya further stated that monitoring structures and feedback channels have been established to ensure the intervention reaches the intended beneficiaries.
He added that the Federal Government is working closely with state authorities and local institutions to guarantee fairness and proper oversight throughout the distribution process.
The intervention is also being implemented alongside the Yobe State Government’s Ramadan palliative programme aimed at cushioning the impact of economic hardship on residents during the holy month.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents and improving food security across the state.
“Providing food to vulnerable citizens is not merely an act of charity; it is a responsibility and an investment in a better future,” Buni said.
He noted that the federal intervention complements ongoing state-level support programmes designed to assist disadvantaged households across all 17 local government areas of Yobe State.
