By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar has presented 1,941.4 tonnes which translates to 38,828 bags of grains to the Katsina State Government to be distributed to its vulnerable people to cater for the high cost of commodities in the country.
The Federal Government Relief support was handed over to the Executive Governor, Katsina state, Dr. Dikko Radda by NEMA North West Zonal Director, Dr. Ishaya Isah Chonoko with support of the Zonal Coordinator, Abbani Imam Garki during a symbolic presentation.
The Zonal Director said the agency is handing over the food items to the state government for onward distribution to identified, deserving beneficiaries in the communities through constituted committees in each of the local government areas of the state.
He stated that “It is worthy to note that based on the allocation table, Katsina has been allocated with 1,941.4 Metric Tons of Maize (748 bags of 50kg), 870.4 Metric Tons of Sorghum (17,408 bags of 50kg) and 323 Metric Tons of Millet (6,460 bags of 50kg). The above food items will be shared equally to all the 21 local government areas in the state.’’
Apart from handing over of the Federal Government approved palliatives, Dr. Chonoko also advocated to the Katsina State Government regarding the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction and the Annual Flood Outlook, highlighting some Local Government Areas of Katsina State within high-risk flood areas. Dr. Chonoko urged the state government to implement proactive and essential mitigation measures to address these flood concerns effectively.
“These measures are by directing the State Emergency Management Agency, local government authorities and other response agencies to put in place preparatory actions”.
In his remarks, the state governor, Dr Dikko Umar Radda said that the provision of the items was a testimony of the commitment of the federal government to support those in need in the state.
“I thank Mr President for his kind gesture of providing relief items to the most vulnerable groups in the country. This is highly commendable and it will reduce intensive hardship among the citizens,” the governor said.