Nigeria Launches Emergency Food Support for Plateau's Most Vulnerable

The Federal Government has launched a food and nutrition support programme for vulnerable households in Plateau State as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The initiative was officially flagged off on Monday at the New Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, drawing federal and state officials, humanitarian partners, traditional rulers, and community representatives.

Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Olubunmi Olusanya, stated that the intervention is a direct response to escalating food insecurity affecting several northern states. He pointed to communal conflicts, climate shocks, and disruptions to rural livelihoods as key factors placing many families in Plateau State under severe humanitarian pressure. Olusanya assured that the Federal Government is collaborating closely with the Plateau State Government to guarantee transparent distribution and ensure the support reaches the most vulnerable households.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, highlighted that the programme will prioritize women-headed households, malnourished children, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities. He also noted that beneficiaries will be connected to longer-term support schemes, including cash transfers, agricultural assistance, and livelihood restoration programs.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, welcomed the initiative, commending President Tinubu for introducing support measures for vulnerable Nigerians amidst ongoing economic reforms. He shared that the President has consistently urged governors to prioritize the needs of the poor.

Governor Mutfwang likened the intervention to a mother providing her hungry children with something to eat while the main meal is being prepared, noting the programme will help cushion the impact of the current economic reforms. He expressed confidence that the reforms would ultimately yield positive results, with immediate support like this bridging the gap.

The governor expressed his gratitude to the Minister for bringing the programme to Plateau and assured that the state government would back all initiatives aimed at improving citizens' welfare. He further revealed that the state is pursuing long-term solutions, including procuring subsidized fertilizer for farmers across all local government areas, reaffirming Plateau's commitment to its position as the nation's food basket.

The event concluded with the formal flag-off of the distribution of food and nutrition items to vulnerable households across the state.