FG Flags Off Food Aid for 10,000 Vulnerable Families in Yobe

The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of emergency food and nutritional supplies to 10,000 vulnerable families in Yobe State, stepping in to fill a void left by the withdrawal of international aid.

Flagging off the exercise at the Government House in Damaturu on Wednesday, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, revealed that the intervention is a direct response to projections that 30 to 35 million Nigerians face extreme hunger.

He specifically cited the recent suspension of funding by the U.S. government, which halted support for 1.3 million Nigerians including children receiving aid through the World Food Programme (WFP) in the Northeast, Northwest, and North Central regions.

"This occasion underscores the unwavering commitment of the federal government to stand with our citizens," Sununu stated. 

According to the minister,the withdrawal of international funding left a void, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu found it unacceptable that our children should suffer.

The relief package includes food items for household consumption and ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, to be delivered directly to feeding centers.

Receiving the items, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni commended the President, noting the support will cushion economic hardship for the state's poorest citizens.

"I am pleased that the federal government and state governments are working on the same page to enhance our recovery program," Buni said.

Yobe State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Mairo Ahmed Amshi, confirmed that the intervention follows a presidential directive to tackle food challenges in ten northern states.

She added that the state is using an online platform to ensure transparent and accountable distribution.