The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, on Monday at government House, Jos distributed grains, cooking oil, and seasoning to vulnerable persons in Plateau State. Dr. Doro said the initiative was aimed at cushioning hunger among citizens, particularly those affected by persistent attacks that have prevented many residents from engaging in farming activities.
The minister explained that the gesture is part of a presidential initiative on emergency food and nutrition assistance targeted at vulnerable citizens across Nigeria. He further revealed that the programme is being implemented in several states, especially in the northern region where communities have been affected by ongoing insurgency.
Speaking during the handover of the food items, the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, thanked President Bola Tinubu for consistently remembering the state through humanitarian policies and interventions.Governor Mutfwang also told the gathering that his administration has concluded plans to distribute fertilizers at affordable prices to enable farmers cultivate larger quantities of crops during the coming rainy season, as part of efforts to strengthen food security in the state.
Earlier, the immediate past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and current National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, said the palliative programme was initiated during his tenure at the ministry.
According to him, the ministry under his leadership proposed ₦25 billion for the purchase of food items to be distributed to vulnerable households across the country, a plan later adopted by his successor.
Prof. Yilwatda stated that about four million people from vulnerable families have benefitted from the Federal Government’s palliative programme through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. He added that another 20 million citizens, including orphans, female-headed households, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities have received a ₦75,000 conditional cash transfer.
Beneficiaries of the grain distribution received 25kg bags of rice, maize, and beans, along with 10 litres of vegetable oil, palm oil, one pack of seasoning, and a packet of salt each.
According to the organisers, beneficiaries were selected from the 17 local government areas of Plateau State, irrespective of political party affiliation or religious background.
