The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has flagged off the distribution of food and nutrition support items under the Presidential Initiative for Food and Nutrition Assistance in Kebbi State.
The ceremony, held at Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, marked the rollout of federal support aimed at assisting vulnerable communities across the state.
Sununu said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
He noted that Kebbi State continues to face significant humanitarian challenges, especially among women, children, persons with disabilities, and households affected by climate shocks and displacement.
He said that despite funding cuts affecting some international humanitarian partners, the Nigerian Government remains committed to ensuring there are no gaps in the national humanitarian response.
According to the minister, the intervention is designed to cushion the impact of funding transitions and sustain food and nutrition support in the state.
He emphasised the need for humanitarian action in Nigeria to be resilient, locally driven, and government-led, while maintaining collaboration with development partners.
The items distributed include rice, beans, millet, cooking oil, fortified foods, seasonings, salt, tomato paste, and basic medicines.
Protect Health and Dignity
The supplies are intended to address food insecurity, improve nutrition, and protect the health and dignity of vulnerable populations.
Also Speaking, the permanent Secretary Ministry of Humanitarian and poverty reduction, Olubumi Olusanya said response by the Nigerian Government to the urgent humanitarian realities confronting vulnerable Nigerians recent assessments underscore the scale of the humanitarian challenge facing the nation.
“Millions of Nigerians continue to experience acute food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly in the Northern region, where conflict induced displacement, climate-related pressures and socio- economic shocks have significantly intensified vulnerability.
“At the same time, reductions in emergency food and nutrition funding from some international partners, notably the World Food Programme (WFP), have further widened existing humanitarian gaps,” he stated.
Olubumi said Without deliberate and timely intervention, many families would face deepening hunger, worsening malnutrition, and heightened vulnerability.
In recognition of this pressing reality, the Nigerian Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, approved this intervention under the Presidential Initiative for Emergency Food and Nutrition Support.
He said the initiative is designed to ensure the continuity of life-saving assistance, bridge emerging humanitarian gaps, and reaffirm the Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
The Permanent Secretary stated that the intervention goes beyond the distribution of relief materials.
She noted that it was a reaffirmation of President Tinubu’s core principle that no Nigerian should be left behind in times of hardship.