Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The federal government in demonstrating firm resolve to closing all humanitarian gaps particularly with communities affected by displacement, insecurity, communal conflicts, and livelihood disruptions has flagged-off a programme to cushion the effects.
Speaking yesterday in Benue State at the programme tagged ‘Presidential Initiative on Food and Nutrition Assistance’, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, said the aforementioned challenges have weakened agricultural productivity, disrupted food systems, and placed enormous strain on thousands of households—especially women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.
He said for this reason and more, the government will not allow humanitarian gaps to widen, and will not abandon vulnerable citizens in their time of need.
He revealed that in line with this reform, the federal government is currently expanding and strengthening the National Social Register which will ensure that vulnerable and affected populations across the country are properly identified, documented, and integrated into structured social protection systems.
According to Doro, “Benue State, proudly known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has faced considerable humanitarian pressures in recent years arising from armed violence, farmer–herder conflicts, displacement, and
destruction of farmlands.
“These challenges have weakened agricultural productivity, disrupted food systems, and placed enormous
strain on thousands of households—
especially women, children, the
elderly, persons with disabilities, and
internally displaced persons.
“We will not allow humanitarian gaps to widen, and we will not abandon vulnerable citizens in their time of need.
This intervention is therefore
strategic and deliberate. It is designed
not only to cushion the immediate
effects of displacement and food
insecurity, but also to serve as an
entry point into something much
bigger and more transformative.”
In appreciating the efforts of the federal government, the governor of Benue State, Dr. Hyacinth Alia, said the Presidential Initiative demonstrates strong political will and national solidarity as well as reflect the unwavering commitment of the federal government to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk communities.
He recalled that Benue State has continued to face severe humanitarian pressures arising from persistent insecurity and communal conflicts, particularly farmer—herder clashes, which have disrupted farming activities and rural livelihoods.
The governor said this has led to: “Rising food prices due to disrupted supply chains increased cases of malnutrition among children and pregnant women; heightened poverty levels and loss of household incomes; overcrowded IDP camps placing strain on basic services such as water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.
“Several communities have been attacked, leading to loss of lives, destruction of homes, and the displacement of thousands of our citizens into’ Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and host communities.
“This Presidential Initiative demonstrates strong political will and national solidarity. It reflects the unwavering commitment of the federal government to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk communities.”
While reaffirming that Benue State will work tirelessly with the federal government in addressing insecurity, he further thanked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, security agencies, humanitarian partners, and all stakeholders whose collaboration has made the intervention possible.
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