The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has flagged off the distribution of food aid, donated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) to vulnerable households and victims of disasters in Kebbi State.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Birnin Kebbi, Mrs Umar described the intervention as another demonstration of the enduring humanitarian partnership between NEMA and KSrelief, which has consistently supported vulnerable populations in Nigeria through relief assistance and capacity-building initiatives.
According to her, KSrelief donatiins would be distributed to vulnerable households across Kebbi, Benue, Anambra, Yobe, and Taraba states.
Mrs Umar noted that KSrelief had previously supported internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups in Kebbi State, adding that the assistance had complemented government efforts to address humanitarian needs and strengthen community resilience in the face of natural disasters.
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The NEMA Director-General assured stakeholders that the distribution exercise would be conducted in line with KSrelief’s operational and accountability standards to ensure transparency, fairness, and effective delivery to the intended beneficiaries.
She explained that the exercise would be implemented jointly by officials of NEMA, the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and trained volunteers mobilised for the humanitarian assignment.
Mrs Umar expressed appreciation to KSrelief, the Government of Saudi Arabia, and its people for their continued support for vulnerable communities in Nigeria.
The Director-General used the occasion to warn residents about the increasing risk of flooding as the rainy season intensifies across several parts of the country, including Kebbi State.
Citing the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook, she urged residents of flood-prone communities to clear drainage channels, avoid dumping waste into waterways, relocate from highly vulnerable areas where necessary, and heed official early-warning advisories.
She also advised parents to ensure that children do not play in floodwaters or around erosion-prone areas during periods of heavy rainfall.
Mrs Umar called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and community volunteers to support public awareness campaigns and strengthen community preparedness against flooding and other hazards.
She reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improving citizens’ welfare and addressing vulnerabilities arising from disasters, conflicts, climate-related emergencies, and economic challenges.
Addressing beneficiaries, Mrs Umar urged them to make good use of the food items, expressing hope that the support would ease the impact of current economic challenges.
She also thanked stakeholders for supporting the intervention and reaffirmed the importance of international partnerships in assisting vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
