Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction on Thursday, February 19, 2026, flagged off the distribution of Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Items in Katsina State as part of ongoing efforts to address food insecurity and support vulnerable populations. This was contained in a statement signed by Chinyere A. Ulasi, Head, Information and Public Relations Unit.
The event which took place at the People’s Square, New Government House, Katsina was led by the Honourable Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Hon. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, on behalf of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro.
In his keynote address, the Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing protection, care, and durable solutions for displaced persons across the country, including resettlement initiatives, skills acquisition programmes, and agricultural support to restore livelihoods.
Hon. Ahmed reiterated that the Federal Government has resolved to continue collaborating with state governments, humanitarian partners, and local communities to reduce suffering, strengthen social protection systems, and promote sustainable recovery for vulnerable Nigerians.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, the Director of Finance and Accounts, Munkaila Mohammed, emphasized that the intervention reflects the Federal Government’s compassionate response to rising food insecurity caused by conflict, displacement, climate pressures, and economic shocks. He added that the programme is designed not only to provide immediate relief but also to serve as a bridge to recovery and long-term resilience.
The intervention, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind during periods of hardship.
Representing the Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Faruk Lawal Jobe, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the timely intervention. He noted that over 6,000 beneficiaries, including internally displaced persons, migrants, and vulnerable households, would receive food items, medical supplies, and nutritional support, particularly for malnourished children.
Traditional and community leaders, including the Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness Abdulmumini Kabir Usman (represented), commended the initiative and called for transparency and fairness in the distribution process.
Earlier before the flag- off ceremony, the Team from the FMHAPR, led by the Honourable Federal Commissioner, Hon. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed paid a visit to His Royal Highness, Emir of Katsina, Alh. Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, CFR, visited Kofar kaure Primary Healthcare Hospital, Katsina, distributed drugs and lastly paid a visit to the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency Faruk Lawal Jobe.
Beneficiaries include vulnerable households across the state, as well as public health institutions received medical supplies for onward distribution.
Others at the distribution ceremony were: Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Federal and Katsina State Government Fonctionaries, Development Partners, members of the Press, among others.
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