Zulum distributes Ramadan palliatives to 250,000 Borno residents
By Tada Juthan, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has distributed Ramadan palliatives to over 250,000 residents in the 27 local government areas of the state.
According to him, over 100,000 beneficiaries of the food items were affected by the last September flood disasters in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Council, comparing 29 communities.
Prof Zulum Stated this while speaking during the flagging off of the distribution on Wednesday at Ramat Square, Maiduguri.
“The distribution of palliatives was to support the flood victims, the recent flood disasters have also destroyed residents’ means of livelihoods in the affected communities of Maiduguri.
He said that in mitigating flood disasters, 1 million farmers were distributed farm inputs, including irrigation facilities, to boost food security and their livelihoods.
In a breakdown of the food item distribution, he stated: “Over 100,000 people will collect the Ramadan palliatives in Maiduguri metropolis and its environs, while 150,000 residents will receive their palliatives in the 25 other local councils.”
According to him, each person has been provided with a bag each of rice and millet.
“I am deeply moved by the pains and hardship this flood disasters have caused to the 29 communities,” noting that many residents are still counting their losses in grievances.
He said about 6,000 people from each of the 25 local councils will also be supported with the distribution of Ramadan palliatives.
He, however, announced a 90% cut in the distribution of food items, which were previously distributed to victims of the Boko Haram insurgency.
He attributed the cuts in the distribution of food items to the reports of increased crop harvests from the liberated communities in the state.
The Governor noted that Ngala and Kala/Balge local councils will continue to be assisted with food and non-food items, as the two councils are still affected by the over a decade of terrorism.
Prof. Zulum added that his administration will also continue to create an enabling environment for youths and entrepreneurs for agribusiness and other productive economic ventures for sustainable development.
The Chairman of the distribution committee, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, representing Borno Central Senatorial District, said the selection process of residents for the Ramadan palliatives was based on being a resident and having valid identification cards.
He stated that the transportation costs of palliatives to various communities have been paid by the committee.
