The Federal Government has begun the distribution of food items and relief materials to 42,000 vulnerable residents across the 17 local government areas of Yobe State.
The initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, is part of the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Intervention Programme aimed at tackling hunger, malnutrition and poverty among vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the Government House in Damaturu, Minister of State for the ministry, Yusuf Sununu, said the intervention responds to growing humanitarian challenges caused by conflict and climate change, which have worsened poverty and food insecurity.
He said the programme targets internally displaced persons, returning families, female-headed households, malnourished children, the elderly and persons living with disabilities.
Food items distributed under the programme include rice, beans, millet, maize, assorted grains, palm oil, cooking oil, tomatoes, seasoning cubes and salt.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, said the initiative forms part of efforts to reduce food insecurity in 10 northern states affected by conflict and vulnerability.
Governor Mai Mala Buni also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents, noting that providing food assistance is both a responsibility and an investment in the future.
The programme aligns with the Federal Government’s broader social protection strategy under President Bola Tinubu to support citizens facing economic hardship.
