Borno State Governor Launches Food Aid Initiative, Targets 100,000 Families 

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum has initiated a comprehensive distribution of food items, addressing the needs of over 100,000 households in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area.

The primary objective is to alleviate the hardship caused by soaring food prices and other essential commodity costs.

The symbolic presentation of the palliative took place at the Maiduguri Sports Centre, where each of the 100,000 households received a bag of 25kg rice and another of 25kg maize. Governor Zulum, speaking to journalists after the launch, emphasized the critical need for sustained support to mitigate the prevailing hardship.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of the people, particularly those severely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, Governor Zulum stated, “We are flagging off the distribution of food items to 100,000 households from Maiduguri Metropolitan and its environs. These communities have faced significant challenges compared to others.”

The distribution aims at assisting the most vulnerable members of society, reducing the burden of the high cost of living in the metropolis. Governor Zulum highlighted that the current economic hardship extends beyond Borno State, emphasizing its global nature.

In a significant expansion, Governor Zulum announced scaling up the distribution from 100,000 to over 200,000 families, encompassing seven local government areas in southern Borno. This decision aims to cover additional regions and meet the escalating demand for support.

He underscored his commitment, saying “As long as I am the Governor of Borno State, the distribution of palliative will continue. Concurrently, we will invest in commercial and subsistence agriculture.”

He encouraged people, especially those lacking a means of livelihood, to engage in agriculture, assuring them of comprehensive support, including free buses, agricultural inputs, and cash assistance.

While acknowledging the enormity of the efforts to address the crisis, Governor Zulum urged patience from the public. He highlighted ongoing governmental initiatives, including an agricultural scheme and programs to boost irrigation and commercial farming.

However, the Governor issued a stern warning against sabotaging peacebuilding efforts, stating that anyone attempting to politicise the ongoing food crisis would be dealt with ruthlessly.

Mercy Chukwudiebere