By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched a food palliative distribution for 250,000 beneficiaries across the 27 local government areas of the state. The distribution aims to mitigate the impact of the devastating flood disaster that affected local businesses and residents’ livelihoods last year.
Governor Zulum, speaking at the event on Wednesday, explained that 100,000 beneficiaries from Maiduguri and its surroundings would receive the aid, while over 150,000 others from 25 local government councils would also benefit.
“We are all aware that our state has yet to fully recover from the severe flooding that affected Maiduguri, Jere, and other communities. Many families are still counting their losses,” Zulum remarked. “I am deeply moved by the hardship this disaster has caused, particularly for the most vulnerable among us, those who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones.”
Zulum highlighted that the distribution was part of the preparation for the upcoming Ramadan, and the aid would be directed towards the most vulnerable, with 100,000 beneficiaries in Maiduguri and the surrounding areas and an additional 6,000 individuals from each of the 26 local government areas receiving food assistance.
In a significant development, Governor Zulum announced a 90% reduction in the distribution of palliatives that had previously been provided to victims of Boko Haram insurgency. This decision was based on the state’s bumper harvest in various communities.
“Our perseverance has reinforced my belief that agriculture is not just a means of survival, but a powerful tool for economic empowerment. As such, the state government is committed to creating an enabling environment for our youth and entrepreneurs to engage in agribusiness and other productive ventures,” he explained.
He added, “This approach will not only empower our people to become self-reliant but will also significantly reduce government spending on palliatives. Moving forward, the provision of palliatives will be reduced by 90% to promote self-sufficiency and long-term development.”
Governor Zulum also expressed his gratitude to the federal government, sister states, and individuals and organizations that have supported Borno State. He thanked them for their solidarity, generosity, and commitment to the welfare of the state’s people.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly Engr. Abdullahi Askira, House of Reps member Engr. Bukar Talba, former Deputy Governor Usman Durkwa, and other government officials.
