The Federal Government has distributed food and relief items to people affected by the floods in Sokoto State.
During the handover of the item to the State Government, Mustapha Habib Ahmed, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, stated that it was in line with the assessment conducted and reports to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development.
He stated that recent floods in several states, including Sokoto, have resulted in the loss of lives, human displacement, loss of means of livelihood, and socioeconomic dislocation.
According to him, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), approved the release of 12,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains from the National Strategic Reserve Stock for distribution to all federation states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He listed the items distributed as maize (3,320 bags of 50kg), sorghum (2,840 bags of 50kg), and millet (1,250 bags of 50kg).
“The grains will be distributed directly to deserving individuals in collaboration with Distinguished Senators from the state, Honourable Ministers representing Sokoto State, officials of the Nigerian Red Cross in the state, Religious and Community leaders, officials of the Sokoto SEMA, and the NEMA Operations office.”
“We cannot compensate people for the traumatic experiences they have had during disasters.”
“Yet, with this type of relief intervention, we have to help people get back on their feet and resume normal life,” Ahmed said.
Earlier, Aliyu Shehu Kafin Dangi, Head of Operations, NEMA Zonal Office, said in his welcome address that the agency has continuously worked with the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency in conducting damages and loss assessments to guide relief intervention to people in need.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mainasara Ahmed, promised to distribute relief supplies wisely across the state.