Niger State Government has received 1,437.5 metric tons of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the vulnerable people in the State.
The food commodities include 550 Metric tons (11,000 of 50 kg bags) of maize, 660 Metric tons (13,000 of 50 kg bags) of Sorghum, and 247.5 Metric tons (4,750 of 50 kg bags) of millet.
The Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago received the items from the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Umaru, at the Government House Minna.
He commended the President for his concern for the less privileged in the country.
The Governor, who assured that his administration would ensure that the template for distribution is strictly followed, warned that anyone that attempts to divert or sell the commodities would be prosecuted.
He also enjoined beneficiaries to report anyone that attempts to exploit them, as the State Government has provided logistic for the items to get to all the 25 Local Government Areas.
On the issue of flood, the Governor announced that a committee will be inaugurated next week to sensitise those living around the flood prompt communities to move to safer areas.
He also stressed his administration’s commitment in collaboration with the Federal Housing Authority and other relevant authorities to build houses and relocate communities ravaged by insecurity and natural disaster.
The Governor made a passionate appeal for more assistance to the Internally Displaced Persons in the State.
Speaking earlier, the Director General of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umaru explained that the food items were the fulfillment of the Federal government’s promise of 42 metric tons of assorted grains to be distributed nationwide to reduce the impact of the current economic down-turn being experienced in the country.
She disclosed that the items would be distributed equally to all the 25 local government areas of the State, adding that 20% of the items due for each local government areas will go to religious organisations while 3%, to boarding schools in the local government areas based on the directive of the President.
The Director General called on the Niger State government to take proactive measures against flood as 12 local government areas consisting Agwara, Bida, Magma, Munya, Agaie, Shiroro, Bosso, Kontagora, Gurara, Chanchaga, Rafi, and Lavun local government areas have fallen under the highly probable flood risk areas for this year.
Farmer Governor Umaru Bago thereafter made a symbolic representation of the food items for onward distribution to beneficiaries.
