By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved the immediate distribution of food palliatives to over 100,000 families of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area of Borno Central Zone of the state
He also approved the immediate release and distribution of food palliatives to seven Local Government Areas of southern Borno zone of the state.
These Local Government Councils of Borno South zone include Biu, Hawul, Shani, Kwaya Kusar, Askira-Uba, Chibok and Bayo LGAs of the state.
Zulum announced the approval on Thursday during a meeting with the ward leaders working committees from the LGAs which include the traditional rulers, elders and community leaders of the Wards from each of the LGA held at the Government House Maiduguri..
The crucial meeting was prompted by the economic hardship affecting the people , especially, hike in prices of foodstuff and others goods which have been on the increase daily and beyond the reach of the poor, mostly the vulnerable.
During the meeting, the governor reiterated his government’s willingness and commitment to ensure that the welfare of Borno citizens, particularly, the poor families struggling to access basic needs and necessities of life, especially in the face of rising food prices and economic challenges are strongly addressed
“I have approved the distribution of palliative to 100,000 families in MMC and Jere Local Government Area to ease the hardship faced by our people in the wake of the rising cost of food and other essential goods.
“We will start the distribution in the coming days. We will start with the wards in the heart of the city, Shehuri North and South, Feezan, Hausari, Gamboru and Mafoni. In each ward, at least 4000 vulnerable families will benefit,” Zulum said.
He also assured that the distribution will be conducted in a transparent and accountable manner to ensure that the assistance reaches those who need it most. These are the vulnerable in the communities.
The governor noted also that his administration has been frequently distributing cash and food items in LGAs affected by the Boko Haram insurgency to enhance livelihood and prevent vulnerable residents from being recruited by the terrorists.
According to him, since November last year, about 187,454 households from Dikwa, Ngala and Bama Local Government Areas have received Zulum’s food palliatives and over N0.6b cash.
He also disclosed that the southern Borno palliatives will be launched in Biu in the coming weeks to extend the gesture to communities that have attained relative peace and residents have their sources of livelihood sustained.
Governor Zulum said that despite the efforts of his government in agriculture, there is the need for his government to address the immediate needs of the vulnerable families to cushion their sufferings and hardships during this economic crunch.
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