Reduced Dependency, FG, WFP, BOSG Government Engaged IDPs, Returning Communities Sustainable Food Production Program

Reduced dependency, FG, WFP, BOSG Government engaged IDPs, returning communities sustainable food production program

By Madu Mohammed, Maiduguri

To reduce dependency on handout, the Federal Government, World Food Program and the Borno state government has engaged all year round farming to make the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returning communities and the host communities not only food sufficient and self resilience but improve their economy and livelihood.

998 heaters of land were cultivated were 6,098 IDPs, returning communities and host communy were benefited in Ngala and Konduga local government areas of Borno state.

The beneficiaries were supported with Solar powered water pumps, rice, tomatoes,onions and vegetables seeds, as well as N198 cash each

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Konduga, the minister of Humanitarian Affairs, poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda said “Given food handouts is no longer sustainable that is why the Federal Government is partnering with the World Food Program and the Borno state government to support the IDPs not only produce food of their own but also have something to buy thing for themselves”,.

“This kind of partnership, is the partnership we need, we are going to expand our investments. I am happy to see how the People of Konduga and Ngala local government area have embraced this Renewed initiatives of the Federal Government. They now not only having food on their table but have more to sell”, the minister said.

Prof. Yilwatda.said “I am also happy to see that local food supplements were being produced and distributed mothers and caregivers to give to their children in our efforts in addressing malnutrition. Before now, billions of Naira were been spent on the importation of these food supplements but today I am happy we’re producing it locally here in Konduga”.

Addressing the the beneficiaries, the minister said “I have been directed by the President and Commander in Chief, President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima to come and see you and also commend you for embracing this initiative. The Federal Government is doing everything to ensure peace is restored to the Northeast. We’re going to spend more, I want to see more harvest the next time I come visiting.

He commended the World Food Program for the partnership and assured them of the continued partnership.

Earlier, the Borno state commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Bawu Bamusami said the resilience and sustainable food program which is a collaboration between the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Borno state government and World Food Program have made the IDPs not to depend on the food handouts but sustainable food sufficiency.

He said the initiative is a partnership, where Borno state government and WFP, where land were cultivated the seeds, water pumps and cash support provided.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mal Ya’u Mandarari thanked the Federal and Borno Governments and the WFP for their support, stressing that the program have made not only self reliant but have more to sell..