By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia has pledged his administration’s resolve to ensure that the federal government approved assorted food commodities donated to the state to onward distribution to vulnerable will get to the right beneficiaries.
Governor Alia also promised that as the state under his watch take delivery of food materials from federal government through National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to cushion the effect of high cost of food items in the country, his administration would ensure that the state remain the food basket of the nation by restoring the lost glory of the state in agriculture for maximum food production to feed the state and the nation at large.
Represented by the Principal Private Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Chenge, the governor commended the federal government under the pragmatic leadership of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding Benue state worthy of the donation.
Earlier, the Director General NEMA, Zubaida Umar, represented by Bashir Idris Garba, NEMA Director North Central, revealed the allocation of the food commodities to Benue state as follows; 897 metric tons of maize equivalent to 17,940 bags of 50kg maize and 108 metric tons of garri equivalent to 4,324 bags of 25kg to be shared equally to all the 23 local government areas in the state.
Umar also disclosed that THE President has directed that 20 percent of the food items for each LGA, should be given to religious organisations (JNI & CAN) and 3 percent to be given to boarding schools at the LGAs respectively.
The Nema Director General explained that the food commodities are to be distributed through the constituted committees in each local government area.
“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, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Faith-Based Organizations (JNI & CAN), Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Women Associations, Persons With Disability Group,Youth Associations, Principals of Boarding Schools, Civil Society Organizations and the Media.
“You would recall that In fulfilment of his promise to reduce the impact of the current economic down-turn being experienced in the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr President approved the release of 42,000MT of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve under the custody of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMOA&FS). The assorted food commodities include maize, millet, sorghum, and garri,” Director General explained.
On his part, the Acting Executive Secretary State Emergency Agency, Sir James Iorpuu commended the National Emergency Management Agency for its tireless efforts and dedication in coordinating the initiative.
“NEMA’s work is critical in ensuring that relief materials are distributed efficiently and effectively to those who need them most. I also extend my gratitude to the State government under the leadership of Governor Alia, who has collaborated to make this intervention possible.
“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.
“As the Executive Secretary of Benue-SEMA, I assure you that we are committed to ensuring the fair and efficient distribution of these grains to the most vulnerable members of our communities. We will uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in our distribution efforts, ensuring that this assistance reaches those who need it the most,” The Executive Secretary assured.
ALGON Chairman Benue, Hon. Philip Achwa, state spoke on behalf of the 23 local government council chairmen, thanked Mr. President for his uncommon leadership disposition promised to carry all the enlisted stakeholders along in fair and transparent distribution of the food items and ensure that it gets to the targeted audience.
Tersoo Peekyaa, a beneficiary who spoke on behalf of all the beneficiaries, and commended the President for his humanitarian leadership disposition and promised to use the relief food materials judiciously.