FG flags off presidential emergency food & nutrition items in Adamawa

FG flags off presidential emergency food & nutrition items in Adamawa.

From Umar Dankano, Yola.

The Federal government has flagged off distribution of the presidential emergency food and nutrition assistance to thousands most vulnerable persons in Adamawa state.

Speaking during the exercise in Yola on Tuesday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty reduction, Bernard Doro said that,Adamawa state occupies a uniquely sensitive humanitarian position within our country.

Doro stressed that Over the years, the State has endured complex and protracted displacement driven largely by insurgency and armed conflict in the North-East, particularly the activities of Boko Haram and other non-state armed groups.He said communities were attacked, livelihoods destroyed, and thousands of families forced to flee their ancestral homes.

He added that beyond conflict-related displacement, Adamawa has also experienced recurrent flooding and climate-induced shocks, leading to further displacements, destruction of farmlands, and disruption of agricultural cycles.

“In predominantly agrarian communities, these shocks have had devastating consequences such as shrinking food production, increasing food prices, weakening household incomes, and deepening vulnerability.
Women and children have borne a disproportionate burden.

“We have witnessed increased malnutrition, school dropouts, heightened protection risks, and the strain on host communities that have generously absorbed displaced families despite limited resources.

“Despite improved security with families returning and meeting their homes destroyed as the scars remain. Many returnees find damaged homes, limited access to basic services, and insufficient livelihood opportunities. The pressure on social infrastructure such as healthcare, education, water, and sanitation remains significant.

“It is against this backdrop that today’s intervention becomes not only necessary but urgent and being mindful that the global humanitarian system is currently facing funding constraints, the Federal Government cannot allow funding reductions to translate into hunger and despair for our people.

“This distribution exercise is therefore a decisive step to cushion the immediate effects of food insecurity, stabilize affected households, and reaffirm that the Government of Nigeria stands firmly with its citizens in moments of vulnerability.

“Today’s ceremony is therefore more than a flag-off. It is a reaffirmation of compassion. It is a reaffirmation of responsible governance. It is a reaffirmation that no Nigerian, regardless of circumstance, will be left behind”.Doro maintained.

In his remarks, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri expressed gratitude with the timely intervention from the Federal government.

Represented by the Commissioner of Reconstruction, Resettlement, Reintegration and Humanitarian Services Bello Hammadiram reaffirmed the state government readiness to continue working collaboratory with the federal government to ensure sustainable humanitarian support and improving livelihood of the people.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Falima David expressed appreciation to the federal government saying that the intervention came at the right time considering the ongoing hardship in the country.