Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BESEMA) has flagged off the distribution of the federal government palliatives to the 23 local government areas of Benue State to cushion the effect of hunger.
The palliatives sent to the state by the federal government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) will be distributed to vulnerable populations, including widows and the elderly.
Briefing newsmen at the ceremony at the Industrial Layout Makurdi, the acting executive secretary of SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, said the vital food items are intended to reach the most vulnerable population, such as widows, orphanage homes, the elderly (65 years and above), government schools, especially boarding schools, religious bodies, and the physically challenged across all the 276 council wards of the state.
He said, “The total number of items to be distributed include 17,940 bags of maize 50kg and 4,132 bags of garri 25kg, with each council ward to get 65 bags of maize and 15 bags of garri.
“Our distribution plan is systematic and organised to ensure that every local government receives its fair share.
“We will commence with Zone A today, the 25th of July, 2024. Following this, Zone B will receive its palliatives on the 26th of July, 2024, and finally, Zone C on the 27th of July, 2024.
“Each local government must adhere to its designated day, and any local government that misses its turn will have to wait until the mop-up day on Sunday, the 28th of July 2024.
“As we move forward, I urge all local government chairmen to maintain the highest levels of transparency in the distribution process.
“These palliatives are a lifeline for our most vulnerable citizens, and our collective responsibility is to ensure they are distributed fairly and efficiently.
“Let us work together with integrity and dedication to make this distribution a success, ensuring that the aid reaches those who need it the most,” Sir Iorpuu noted.
Iorpuu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his keen interest in alleviating the suffering of the people and appreciated the governor, Dr Hyacinth Lormem Alia, for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian intervention.
“Their leadership and compassionate disposition have been instrumental in ensuring that the needs of our people are met, especially during challenging times,” he added.
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