By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has distributed food items to 18,000 families in Dikwa town following a massive invasion of quelea birds and pests that devastated farmlands in the area.The exercise, held on Monday at the Shehu of Dikwa’s palace, was announced in a statement by the governor’s aide, Abdurraman Bundi. The pests destroyed farmlands on which more than 90 percent of the community depends for survival.
Governor Zulum, who personally supervised the distribution, said the intervention was aimed at averting a food crisis and cushioning the impact of the disaster on residents. He explained that his administration has been investing in agriculture and pest control to prevent such losses in the future.“
The last time we distributed food items in Dikwa was about 18 months ago. Because of improved security, people have resumed farming, and we reduced humanitarian support by 90 per cent. But this year, drought and the invasion of pests destroyed farmlands, so we had to intervene,” Zulum said.
Alongside the food support, the governor distributed over N350 million to 35,000 women in Dikwa as emergency relief. Each beneficiary received N10,000 cash, a wrapper, and food items including rice and sorghum.Zulum commended residents for their commitment to farming despite the challenges and assured them of his government’s continued support.
He was accompanied by the Chairman of the State Palliative Distribution Committee, Engr. Bukar Talba; member representing Dikwa in the State Assembly, Zakariya Mohammed; and Commissioner for Local Government and Emirates Affairs, Sugun Mai Mele, among other officials.
