FIC Report (Benue State) – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to alleviating hardship among vulnerable Nigerians with the distribution of food aid to residents of Benue State, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle hunger and economic challenges nationwide.
The intervention, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, saw large numbers of vulnerable persons converge at the Benue State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to receive bags of garri provided under the programme.
Beneficiaries included Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), inmates of the Yaikyo Correctional Centre, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Ukum, Logo, Kwande, Agatu, and Gwer West Local Government Areas, as well as women cooperatives and orphanage homes.
Speaking during the exercise, the scheme’s Coordinator at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Daspan Nathaniel, said the initiative is in line with the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mitigate the effects of hunger, particularly among citizens impacted by insecurity and other socio-economic challenges.
He noted that Benue State was prioritized due to the severe impact of insecurity on livelihoods, assuring that the Federal Government would continue to expand support to the state.
Mr. Nathaniel also commended the Benue State Government, led by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution of relief materials, a development he said would encourage sustained federal assistance.
In a remark, the Benue State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Pharm. Ogaagbenu Elijah, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the timely intervention and appealed for continued support, especially in the provision of agricultural inputs.
Beneficiaries, including Mrs. Hajara Grace Mashi, Iorhuna Ashide, and Comrade Grace Iorhee, who spoke on behalf of various groups, lauded the Federal Government for the gesture, describing it as a significant relief amid prevailing economic difficulties.
They, however, called for expanded interventions to further support vulnerable populations across the state.
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center FIC Makurdi
