Nigeria’s Capital communities received 44,656 Bags of Grains to Alleviate Hunger

Abuja, Nigeria–The Federal Government has released 44,656 bags of grains for distribution to poor and vulnerable households in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The distribution, announced by Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for FCT, took place on Thursday in Gwagwalada.
During the handover ceremony, Dr. Mahmoud detailed the breakdown of the food items: 23,996 bags of 25kg rice, 4,680 bags of 50kg maize, 13,920 bags of 50kg sorghum, 1,100 bags of 50kg millet, and 960 bags of 25kg gari (cassava flakes). This initiative aims to address the severe food shortages plaguing Nigerians, particularly the economically disadvantaged.
“This support aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is intended to provide relief to households struggling with the current economic hardships,” Mahmoud said. She expressed gratitude to the federal government, emphasizing the significant impact this gesture would have on alleviating food scarcity and high costs.
Ensuring the smooth distribution of the grains, Mahmoud assured that necessary security measures were in place. She called on residents to maintain order and cooperate with the distribution teams to ensure the success of the exercise.
“For any meaningful development to be sustained, due attention must be placed on the welfare of our citizens. We are prioritizing the revitalization of the agricultural sector to achieve food and nutrition security,” Mahmoud added.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts by the FCT Administration to distribute essential agricultural inputs to farmers, aimed at ensuring a successful planting season and improving food supply.
Hajiya Zubaida Umar, Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), noted that these food items are part of the 42,000 metric tonnes of grains being distributed nationwide. This effort is in response to President Tinubu’s directive to mitigate the economic challenges facing the country.
Distribution will be managed by committees within the six Area Councils of the FCT. Additionally, 20% of the grains are designated for religious organizations, and 3% for boarding schools within the councils, following President Tinubu’s directives.
Mr. Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, praised President Tinubu’s leadership in addressing hunger among poor Nigerians. Beneficiaries include poor households, religious organizations, Civil Society Organizations, widows, orphanages, persons with disabilities, leprosy colonies, Bwari Rehabilitation Home, and internally displaced persons.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ladi Douglas, a mother of three, received a 50kg bag of maize. “This support will significantly reduce hunger in my household,” she said, expressing her gratitude to President Tinubu.
Mr. Victor Joshua, Another beneficiary who received a 25kg bag of rice, described the assistance as life-saving. “My family often struggles to eat twice a day, but this will change with this support,” Joshua remarked gratefully.
This distribution marks a crucial step towards alleviating hunger and supporting vulnerable populations in the FCT.