The Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has donated 1,005 metric tons of grains to Benue State.
Performing the ceremony on Thursday in Makurdi, the Director General (DG), NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar said the grains were part of the 42,000 metric tons of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve released by President Bola Tinubu.
Umar said the assorted food commodities released included maize, millet, sorghum, and garri.
Represented by North Central Director, Mr Bashir Garaga, the DG said after sharing the commodities Benue got 897MT of maize (17,940 bags of 50kg) and 108 MT of garri (4,324 bags of 25kg).
She said the federal government had a sharing template that must be followed adding that all the Local Government Areas must receive equal share of the grains.
“Please note that membership of the Committee in each LGA is made up of the Chairman of the LGA, State Emergency Management Agency, a Traditional Ruler, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“ Others are the Faith-Based Organizations (JNI & CAN), Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Women Associations, Persons With Disability Groups, Youth Associations, Principals of Boarding Schools, Civil Society Organizations and the Media.
“It is worthy of note that based on the allocation table, Benue State has been allocated: 897MT of maize (17,940 bags of 50kg) and 1O8MT of garri (4,324 bags of 25kg)
“Also, based on the directives of Mr President, 20 per cent of the food items due for each LGA should be given to religious organizations (JNI & CAN) and 3 per cent to be given to boarding schools in the LGAs.” she said.
Receiving the grains, Gov Hyacinth Alia commended President Tinubu for his continuous support for the needy in the country.
Represented by his Principal Private Secretary (PPS), Dr Emmanuel Chenge, the governor said that the state government was working assiduously to ensure that in no distant time, Benue would feed not only her citizens but the world.
Alia said his administration was working tirelessly to encourage all Benue people to go back to their famers for improved agricultural produce by supporting them with improved seedlings and farm inputs.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr James Iorpuu, said the event was the official handover of Federal Government grains through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the state.
Iorpuu said the event was a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to supporting and uplifting Nigeria citizens in times of need.
He said NEMA’s dedication and proactive measures were vital to the well-being and resilience of Benue communities.
“Benue State, known for its rich agricultural heritage, has faced significant challenges in recent years, including herder’s farmer’s crisis and devastating floods that have disrupted lives, displaced families, and severely impacted our agricultural sector.
“Despite these challenges, the resilience and strength of the people of Benue have shone through.
“Today’s presentation of grains is more than just an act of giving; it is a beacon of hope and a step towards recovery and rebuilding.
“The grains we receive today will provide essential sustenance to thousands of families, alleviating hunger and offering relief to those most affected by recent adversities.
“This generous support will help stabilize our communities and provide a foundation upon which we can rebuild our lives and livelihoods.”he said
He said SEMA would ensure fair and efficient distribution of the grains to the most vulnerable members of the communities and urged the people to remain hopeful and united for better days were ahead.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Tersoo Ahule, commended President Tinubu and Gov Alia for remembering them at their times of need. (NAN
