The distribution of 26,404 bags of maize, millet, and sorghum to vulnerable individuals in Sokoto State as palliatives has been initiated by the Federal Government. Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, inaugurated the distribution in Sokoto on Sunday.

Kyari highlighted that the initiative aimed to alleviate the economic hardship faced by citizens in the state, with plans to extend similar aid to all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

He emphasized that this effort aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to mitigating the impact of the ongoing economic challenges, following the approval for the release of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve.

Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State, in his remarks, acknowledged the global economic challenges and praised President Tinubu for the initiative. He assured adherence to distribution guidelines and urged committee members to execute their duties diligently. The governor also pledged to complement the Federal Government’s efforts by providing additional palliative items.

Addressing the event, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, disclosed that Sokoto received an allocation of 10,120 bags of maize, 11,960 bags of sorghum, and 4,324 bags of millet based on the allocation table.

She mentioned that as per the President’s directives, religious organizations would receive 20 percent of the food items allocated to each Local Government Area, while three percent would go to boarding schools.

Distribution committees, comprising local government chairpersons, the State Emergency Management Agency, and traditional rulers, were established in each locality.

Additionally, representatives from various organizations, including security agencies, faith-based groups, women’s associations, and civil society organizations, were included in these committees to ensure transparency in the distribution process.