Nutrition: FG Distributes Food Items to 42,000 Individuals in Yobe

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has distributed palliatives and other food items to 42,000 individuals across the 17 local government areas of Yobe State. The distribution is part of the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention aimed at supporting the most vulnerable persons and tackling hunger, starvation, malnutrition, and poverty in […]

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has distributed palliatives and other food items to 42,000 individuals across the 17 local government areas of Yobe State.

The distribution is part of the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention aimed at supporting the most vulnerable persons and tackling hunger, starvation, malnutrition, and poverty in the country.

Speaking at the distribution flag-off ceremony held at the Government House in Damaturu, the Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, said the intervention is a deliberate and strategic response to cushion the impact of growing humanitarian pressures.

He noted that the combined effects of conflict and climate change have deepened poverty levels, increased food insecurity, and heightened vulnerability among women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, severely affecting food production and household incomes.

“This food and nutrition assistance programme is carefully targeted at internally displaced persons in camps and host communities, vulnerable returnees, women-headed households, malnourished children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

“The food basket and nutrition components have been structured to address immediate dietary deficiencies while providing short-term stabilisation support to affected households.

“This intervention forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at strengthening social protection systems, building resilience, and transitioning affected populations from emergency relief to sustainable livelihoods,” he said.

According to him, the distributed items include rice, beans, millet, maize, grains, palm oil, cooking oil, tomatoes, seasoning cubes, and salt, adding that over 42,000 individuals will benefit in the first phase of the project.

The minister further stated that the intervention underscores the commitment of the Federal Government under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stand with Nigerians in times of hardship and vulnerability.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, said the initiative is designed to reduce food insecurity and address nutrition challenges across the ten most conflict-affected and vulnerable northern states through structured and accountable interventions.

He explained that the programme is carefully planned to ensure assistance reaches the right people at the right time.

“We are working closely with the Yobe State Government to guarantee proper coordination and fair distribution.

“Clear systems have been established to promote transparency and provide channels for feedback throughout the process,” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian and developmental challenges facing the state.

“Feeding the vulnerable is not charity—it is a duty of humanity and a seed of hope for the future,” the governor said.

He added that the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention complements the Yobe State Government’s policies and programmes aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship and improving food security among vulnerable groups.

The governor further noted that the distribution exercise will target beneficiaries across the 17 local government areas, with priority given to the less privileged, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable groups.