The Federal Government has initiated the process of distributing various food items to Kogi State Government.
This action follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the release of grains to mitigate the effects of the current global economic climate on vulnerable individuals across Nigeria.
President Tinubu authorized the release of 42,000 metric tons (MT) of diverse grains from the National Strategic Reserve for distribution among vulnerable persons across all local government areas in Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Office of National Security Adviser, and National Emergency Management Agency have commenced transportation and distribution processes.
At a flag-off event held at Lokoja on Monday, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director General (NEMA), represented by Bashir Idris Garga, Zonal Director NEMA North Central presented these items to Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo who was represented by Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Oyino.
The event was attended by Head Disaster Response Unit NEMA and Commander NNS Lugard Naval Base Lokoja Commodore MM Epele; top officials from Kogi state government; religious leaders; traditional leaders; civil society organizations; and labour leaders.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed his gratitude towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Federal Government for their support in his remarks presented through Deputy Governor during which he confirmed receipt of items from NEMA while committing himself toward ensuring that prescribed guidelines are followed during distribution exercise.
During his speech at flag-off ceremony representative DG NEMA accompanied by Mr Justin Nwazuronye head Abuja operations office highlighted delivered items including maize 462 MT (9,240 50kg bags), sorghum 546 MT (10,920 50kg bags), millet 189 MT (3,780 50kg bags) garri 98 MT(3,92025kg bags). He also outlined the list of LGAs and stakeholders involved in this distribution exercise along with proportions reserved for different groups classified as vulnerable people.
Kogi state cultural troop members were present at the ceremony performing various acts.
