From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
Borno has rolled out massive food distributions to about 250,000 people to tackle the food crisis ahead of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month.
The state governor, Babagana Zulum, while kick-starting the week-long distribution across four local government areas on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno’s capital, said the exercise was also a follow-up response to the devastation of farmlands, food production, and the household economy caused by the September 2024 flood.
“We are all aware that our beloved state has yet to fully recover from the devastating flood disaster that recently affected Maiduguri, Jere, and other communities. Many families are still counting their losses,” he declared during the flag-off at Ramat Square, Maiduguri.
He said he was deeply moved by the pain and hardship the disaster has caused, especially for the most vulnerable population.
He said the event marks the official launch of the Ramadan food distribution programme for the people.
“We aim to support 250,000 of the bottom poor. Among the beneficiaries, 100,000 are from Maiduguri and its environs, while an additional 6,000 individuals from each of 26 local government areas of the state will also receive food assistance,” he disclosed.
Zulum said a committee was established to draw up strategies for the distribution to ensure cleared persons receive their bags of food in an orderly and dignified manner.
The Chairman of the committee and Senator representing Borno Central, Sen. Kaka Shehu Lawan, explained that beneficiaries were cleared from their wards, having been certified as residents of the areas and adults with valid means of identification.
“Political affiliation is not part of the consideration. The programme is for the poor, the vulnerable,” Sen. Lawan told journalists at the venue of the distribution.
He also clarified that each beneficiary receives 25kg bags of rice and millet (25kg) and free transportation of the items to their various homes within the metropolis, city outskirts, and towns.