By Usman Abubakar, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has slashed the distribution of food palliatives to the survivors of Boko Haram insurgency in the state by 90 percent.
The survivors, who constitute the larger population of the state rendered destitute and vulnerable by the depletion of economic activities due to the concomitant insecurity over the last 14 years across the 27 local government areas of the state, regularly, hitherto, received such palliatives from the state government to survive.
Governor Zulum, however, announcing the drastic reduction of these regular palliatives in Maiduguri, Wednesday, February 26, said the decision was influenced by the bumper harvest recorded from different communities across the state.
Zulum was speaking while launching the distribution of such palliatives for the dual purposes of alleviating the hardship still suffered by the victims of the September, 2024 Maiduguri flood, and the preparation for the approaching Ramadan Fast.
“Our perseverance has reinforced my belief that agriculture is not just a means of survival, it is a powerful tool for economic empowerment,” he said, in an effort to encourage the resettled communities to return to their pre-insurgency farming activities to grow their own food.
“As a result, the State Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for our youth and entrepreneurs to engage in agribusiness and other productive ventures,” the governor stated.
He added, “We will continue to invest in agricultural inputs, infrastructure and support programmes that will enhance the sector and drive sustainable economic growth.”
He further said, “This approach will not only empower our people to become self-reliant but will also significantly reduce government spending on palliatives.”
The loud-bang announcement: “As a result, moving forward, the provision of palliatives will be reduced by 90 percent to encourage self-sufficiency and long-term development.”
Governor Zulum rolled out food palliatives for 250,000 beneficiaries across the 27 local government areas of the state.
He said the distribution was to mitigate the impact of last year’s flood disaster which affected businesses and livelihood of residents.
Out of this figure, 100,000 people will benefit from the distribution in Maiduguri metropolis and the environs, over 150,000 beneficiaries will receive the palliatives from 25 local government councils.
He said, “We are all aware that our beloved state has yet to fully recover from the devastating flood disaster that recently affected Maiduguri, Jere, and other communities. Many families are still counting their losses.
“I am deeply moved by the pain and hardship this disaster has caused, particularly for the most vulnerable among us, those that have lost their homes, livelihoods and even loved ones.”
“In preparation for the blessed month of Ramadan, today’s event marks the official launch of the Ramadan food distribution programme, we aim to support 250,000 bottom poor.”
Among the beneficiaries, 100,000 are from Maiduguri and its environs, while an additional 6,000 individuals from each of 26 Local Government Areas of the state will also receive food assistance.” END
