By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Items to 20,000 vulnerable households in Sokoto State.
The flag-off ceremony was held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Government House in Sokoto.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu, said the intervention demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, particularly women, children, the elderly and persons living with disabilities (PWDs).
Sununu commended Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for his collaboration with the Federal Government, noting that he returned from an official engagement outside the country to participate in the programme.
He said the intervention targets 20,000 vulnerable households across the state with food items and specialised nutrition commodities, including supplies for the treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) among children. According to him, therapeutic nutrition supplies will also be delivered to specialist and general hospitals across the state.
The minister explained that the programme was initiated under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, following projections that millions of Nigerians could face extreme hunger due to economic shocks, climate change, insecurity and reduced international humanitarian funding.
He added that beyond emergency relief, the ministry is pursuing sustainable solutions such as livelihood support, skills acquisition, agricultural recovery and community-based resilience programmes for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and host communities.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry said the intervention became necessary due to rising humanitarian needs and funding gaps resulting from the scaling down of some international partners.
He noted that the Federal Government approved the initiative to bridge critical gaps and sustain life-saving assistance.
He urged stakeholders involved in the distribution to ensure transparency, accountability and equity so that the items reach intended beneficiaries.
In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Aliyu thanked President Tinubu and the ministry for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
He described the intervention as compassionate and responsive, assuring that the state government would ensure effective coordination and dignified distribution across the three senatorial districts.
The governor said: “Let me assure our partners and beneficiaries of the government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the effective implementation of all social intervention programmes. I urge all those involved in the distribution of these items to act with the fear of Allah, the Most High, and ensure fairness in the process. I pray that this initiative brings relief, hope, and renewed strength to our people.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs in the state, Hajia Asabe Balarabe, said the event came at a critical time as the government intensifies efforts to improve the welfare of vulnerable residents.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the SSG, a representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, and the Special Adviser on IDPs and resident communities.