Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has distributed food items to 18,000 heads of families in Dikwa town, located in the central part of the state. The distribution took place at the outer premises of the Shehu of Dikwa’s palace.
Dikwa town recently suffered a major setback after a bird strike involving quelea birds and other pests destroyed large portions of farmland. With more than 90 percent of residents depending on farming for their livelihoods, the destruction left the community vulnerable to hunger and financial hardship.
Governor Zulum, who personally oversaw the distribution on Monday, said the intervention was necessary to avert a food crisis. He emphasized that providing relief was urgent for families whose sources of income were destroyed by the pest invasion.
“The last time we distributed food items in Dikwa was about 18 months ago. Because we believe there is an improved security situation in the state, and people have started cultivating their farmlands, we have reduced the distribution of humanitarian support by 90 per cent,” Zulum stated.
He added, “But this morning, we came to Dikwa to support them because of the drought that affected them last year. The invasion of pests and quelea birds affected their farmlands, leading to the farmers losing a significant portion of their farm outputs.”
The governor noted that his administration had introduced measures to strengthen agriculture in Borno State, including mechanisms for pest control aimed at reducing farmers’ losses. Addressing the beneficiaries, Zulum commended residents of Dikwa for returning to farming activities this season despite challenges.
In addition to the food support, the governor distributed over N350 million to 35,000 women in Dikwa as part of emergency relief to vulnerable groups. Each woman received N10,000 cash and a wrapper, while male heads of households were given two bags of rice and sorghum.
The distribution exercise was carried out in the presence of senior officials, including the chairman of the Borno State High-Powered Committee for the Distribution of Palliatives, Engr Bukar Talba; the member representing Dikwa at the State House of Assembly, Zakariya Mohammed; and the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele.
Governor Zulum reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting food security and economic stability for communities in need across the state.