On Thursday, July 5, 2024, Hon. Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Minister of State, alongside Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, inaugurated the official distribution of staple food items to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Gwagwalada. This initiative, aligned with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to mitigate food shortages and provide relief to Nigerians.
Distinguished government officials, including Lawan Kolo Geidam, Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat; Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat; and the Mandate Secretary of ACSS, were in attendance to oversee the equitable distribution of these food items.
Dr. Mahmoud outlined the provisions received from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security: 23,996 25-kg bags of rice, 4,680 bags of maize, 13,920 bags of sorghum, 960 bags of garri, 1,100 bags of millet, and an additional 9,580 bags. These food items are intended to alleviate the hardships caused by food scarcity and high costs for the most vulnerable populations.
To ensure a smooth distribution process, Dr. Mahmoud directed FCTA officials to enforce strict security measures to prevent theft and urged residents to maintain orderly queues.
“Sustainable development hinges on the welfare of our citizens,” Dr. Mahmoud emphasized. “We are dedicated to revitalizing the agricultural sector, which is vital for achieving food and nutrition security.”
She further announced that the FCT would distribute essential agricultural inputs to farmers to support a successful planting season and ensure a plentiful food supply.
