Benue receives share of FG’s grains

The National Emergency  Management Agency, on Thursday, handed over the Federal Government approved grains to Benue State Government for onward delivery to vulnerable people in the state.

The agency’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, said the distribution was in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to reduce the impact of the current economic downturn being experienced in the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the DG who was represented by the Zonal Director, North Central, Mr. Bashiru Garega, the items allocated to the state include; 17,940 bags of 50kg maize and 4,324 bags of 25kg of garri (cassava flake).

Garega said the President approved the release of 42,000MT of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve under the custody of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMOA&FS) which include maize, millet, sorghum and garri.

The zonal director directed that the commodities be handled by constituted committees in each local government area made up of the chairman of the LG, State Emergency Management Agency, a traditional ruler, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, faith-based organisations (JNI & CAN), Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, Nigerian Red Cross Society, women associations, Persons With Disability Groups, youth associations, principals of boarding schools, and the media.

He said,  “It is worthy of note that based on the allocation table, Benue State has been allocated 897MT of maize (17,940 bags of 50kg) and 1O8MT of garri (4,324 bags of 25kg)

‘”The above food items will be shared equally to all the LGAs in the State. Also, 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 LGAs”.

Appreciating the Federal Government, the acting Executive Secretary Benue State Emergency Management Agency, James Iorpuu, said the distribution was a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring Food security and providing support to communities in need, particularly in crisis.

He said the grains were part of ongoing efforts to mitigate the impacts of disasters, conflicts, and food insecurity that have affected various parts of our country, including Benue State.

“The grains we receive today will provide essential sustenance to thousands of families, alleviating hunger and offering relief to those most affected by recent adversities. This generous support will help stabilise our communities and provide a foundation upon which we can rebuild our lives and livelihoods.

“We will uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in our distribution efforts, ensuring that this assistance reaches those who need it the most,” he said.