By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Government has flagged off the distribution of Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Support to vulnerable households in Plateau State as part of efforts to tackle food insecurity and strengthen humanitarian response systems across the country.
The event took place at Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard M. Doro, said the initiative reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to protecting vulnerable citizens under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Doro described the intervention as both professionally significant and personally meaningful.
“Returning home in my capacity as a Minister of the Federal Republic to deliver this intervention is both a professional responsibility and a deeply personal duty. Plateau is not just my home; it is part of the story that shaped who I am,” he stated.
He explained that climate-related disruptions, insecurity and displacement have continued to strain livelihoods and food systems in many communities.
According to the minister, the initiative will provide immediate food assistance while linking beneficiaries to broader government social protection programmes.
“Our objective is clear: to break the cycle of recurring humanitarian dependency and move vulnerable households toward resilience, stability and long-term prosperity,” he said.
The minister also highlighted reforms under the One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System designed to integrate humanitarian interventions with sustainable poverty reduction initiatives.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, said the programme formed part of the Presidential Initiative for Emergency Food and Nutrition Assistance targeting states facing humanitarian and nutrition challenges.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in his remarks, described the intervention as timely support for vulnerable Nigerians during ongoing economic reforms.
“This intervention represents immediate relief for vulnerable Nigerians as broader economic reforms begin to produce lasting results,” he said.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress and former minister, Nentawe Yilwatda, commended the Federal Government for prioritising social protection programmes for vulnerable Nigerians.
The ceremony featured the symbolic distribution of food items to selected beneficiaries as well as visits to Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jankwano, for the delivery of food items and essential medical supplies.