Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has flagged off the distribution of Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Items in Kebbi State on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as part of sustained efforts to address food insecurity and protect vulnerable Nigerians. The flag-off ceremony took place at the Haliru Abdu Multi-Purpose Stadium, Birnin Kebbi. This was contained in a statement signed by Chinyere Anthonia Ulasi, Head, Information and Public Relations Unit.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu stated that the intervention underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proactive response to alarming projections that over 35 million Nigerians may face food insecurity. He noted that the initiative is designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship, climate-related challenges, flooding, and funding gaps arising from reductions in international humanitarian support.
The Honourable Minister explained that the distribution in Kebbi Central is the first phase, with subsequent exercises scheduled for Kebbi North and Kebbi South Senatorial Districts. The intervention includes rice, beans, millet, cooking oil, fortified foods, seasoning, tomatoes, and essential medicines, as well as nutrition supplies already delivered to health facilities for the treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
Dr. Sununu emphasized that the programme is not only about emergency relief but also about restoring dignity, strengthening national ownership of humanitarian action, and reinforcing social protection systems to build long-term resilience.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya described the initiative as a decisive and compassionate response to deepening food insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind and urged all stakeholders to uphold transparency, accountability, and fairness in the distribution process.
Flagging off the exercise, Governor Nasir Idris commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what he described as unprecedented humanitarian interventions in the state. He expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction for the support extended to Kebbi, noting that the scale and quality of items distributed reflect a people-centred government committed to improving the welfare of citizens.
The Governor assured that the state government would continue to collaborate closely with the Federal Government to ensure effective implementation and that beneficiaries across all senatorial districts receive their allocations.
The flag-off ceremony was led by the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu, alongside the Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu.
Among dignitaries at the event were: the Deputy Governor of kebbi State, Sen. Umar Abubakar, OFR (Tafidan Kabi), Hon. Chief Judge, kebbi State, Hon. Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Emir of Zulu, Mohammed Sanusi Mikalu Sami Gomo .
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