In a determined effort to alleviate food shortages and ease the plight of flood-stricken communities, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday, launched the distribution of 100 trucks of food items donated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The flag-off ceremony took place in Ngala Local Government Area, one of the regions hardest hit by recent flooding that severed the area from the rest of the country.
The relief items, comprising maize, millet, and sorghum, were transported to Ngala as part of a coordinated effort to address the food supply crisis caused by months of isolation.
New Daily Prime report at the event, Governor Zulum outlined the critical need for the intervention and expressed gratitude to the federal government for its timely support.“This town was completely cut off from the rest of the country for about four months due to heavy rainfall and severe flooding,” Zulum said. “The movement of food items to Ngala was obstructed, leaving residents in dire need. This informed our visit today to provide relief and help mitigate the hardships faced by the people.”
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for his proactive leadership and the federal agencies involved in making the aid possible. He disclosed that the donation included 100 trucks of assorted grains, while another 100 trucks of rice had been allocated for victims of a separate flood disaster in Maiduguri.
“On behalf of the people of Borno State, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support,” Zulum stated. “The 100 trucks of maize, millet, and sorghum distributed today are a testament to his commitment to assisting vulnerable communities.
Additionally, the federal government has provided another 100 trucks of rice for the victims of the Maiduguri flood disaster.”
While highlighting the importance of immediate relief measures, Zulum also emphasized his administration’s focus on long-term solutions to foster self-sufficiency among residents. He revealed plans to transition from food distribution to sustainable agricultural initiatives aimed at empowering communities.
“As part of our medium- and long-term strategy, the state government is establishing irrigation structures, particularly in Ngala Local Government Area, to enable year-round farming,” the governor explained. “Our goal is to ensure that affected communities can return to cultivating their lands and reduce dependency on aid.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly those impacted by natural disasters and displacement. He assured residents that the government’s support would evolve from emergency relief to initiatives that promote stability and resilience.
Ngala Local Government Area has faced significant challenges in recent years, including displacement caused by insurgency and natural disasters. Monday’s distribution was welcomed by residents, who expressed gratitude for the relief materials and the state government’s continued efforts to address their needs.
The governor’s initiative marks another step in Borno State’s ongoing recovery and underscores the importance of collaboration between state and federal authorities in responding to humanitarian crises.