Zulum distributes 10, 000 tons of rice, millet to Borno vulnerable households
By Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Zulum of the Borno state has distributed 10, 000 tons of rice and millet to vulnerable households overcome their rising costs of living in the state.
According to him, the households comprising about six each of family members, are residents of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere council.
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Flagging of the distribution on Wednesday at the Maiduguri Sports Centre, Zulum disclosed: “Today’s distribution of food items, was aimed at reducing residents’ hardships triggered by rising market prices of essential commodities in the state.”
He said that each of households will each get a 25-kg bag of rice and millet.
The Governor also reiterated the need for continued support to the people to overcome the economic hardships in the state.
He added: “This administration is committed to prioritising the welfare of the people, particularly those facing extreme hardship as a result of the 15-year Boko Haram insurgency.”
Zulum stated that everyone in Nigeria is aware of the hardships of rising market prices of food items.
He continued; “We decided to flag off the distribution exercise here for the people of Maiduguri metropolis and its environs.
“The various communities have not benefited immensely, compared to other liberated settlements in the state.
He noted that the current economic hardship is not only in Borno State, but it is a global economic crisis triggered by recent removal of fuel subsidy and the wars in Asia and the Middle East.
Zulum also announced that the distribution of the palliatives would be increased from 100,000 households to over 200,000.
He noted that the increase was to cover other communities, including seven Local Government Areas in southern Borno.
The Governor stated that his intention is not to stop the distribution of food items to 100,000 households; but increase it to 200, 000 households.
He, therefore, pledged that before the end of Ramadan, 200,000 households will access more food items across the state.
“Wherever there is insurgency, the people may experience food crisis; because of the limited access to their farmlands,” he noted.
He added, “As long as I am the governor, the distribution of palliatives will continue,” assuring the people that investments in agriculture will also be sustained to restore their means of livelihoods.
Zulum, therefore, urged the people to engage in agriculture, while assuring them of all the needed support, including bus rides at N50 a drop, agricultural inputs and other grants to boost food security and employment.
