By; MANZO EZEKIEL
For thousands of vulnerable families across Yobe, Benue, Kebbi, Anambra and Taraba States, the distribution of food baskets donated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) represented more than a humanitarian intervention—it was a timely reassurance that they had not been forgotten.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has successfully concluded the distribution of 24,302 food baskets to carefully profiled vulnerable households in the five states, reinforcing the enduring humanitarian partnership between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through KSrelief.
The nationwide intervention commenced with a flag-off ceremony in Damaturu, Yobe State, where the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, officially launched the exercise.
From there, NEMA coordinated the direct distribution of 6,403 food baskets in Benue State, 6,000 in Yobe State, 4,399 in Kebbi State, 4,000 in Anambra State and 3,500 in Taraba State, ensuring that the relief reached the intended beneficiaries through a transparent and accountable process.
Addressing dignitaries, humanitarian partners and beneficiaries at the flag-off ceremony, Mrs. Zubaida Umar described the donation as another milestone in the long-standing humanitarian cooperation between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through KSrelief. She noted that the intervention would complement the Federal Government’s efforts to support vulnerable households facing the effects of disasters, insecurity, climate-induced emergencies and prevailing economic challenges.
According to the Director General, humanitarian assistance remains an essential component of building resilient communities, particularly at a time when many households are struggling to recover from recurring floods, displacement and other emergencies. She reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to improving the welfare of Nigerians through responsive humanitarian programmes and strategic international partnerships.
Recognising that the distribution coincided with the peak of the rainy season, Mrs. Zubaida Umar also used the occasion to reinforce NEMA’s nationwide flood preparedness campaign. She urged residents to take preventive measures by clearing blocked drainage channels, avoiding indiscriminate disposal of refuse into waterways, relocating from highly flood-prone communities where necessary, and complying with early warning advisories issued by relevant authorities. She also appealed to parents and guardians to keep children away from floodwaters and erosion-prone locations during periods of heavy rainfall.
Representing the Yobe State Government at the flag-off ceremony, the Acting Secretary to the State Government Dr Mohammed Goje, on behalf of Governor Mai Mala Buni, commended the Federal Government, NEMA and KSrelief for bringing relief directly to vulnerable households. He described the intervention as timely and impactful, noting that it would cushion the effects of economic hardship on thousands of families while further strengthening the existing humanitarian collaboration between the state government and NEMA.
Speaking on behalf of KSrelief, the Centre’s representative, Mr. Majeed Alanazi, explained that the donation was in line with the organisation’s global humanitarian mandate of providing assistance to vulnerable populations regardless of race, religion or nationality. He reaffirmed KSrelief’s commitment to supporting humanitarian initiatives in Nigeria and expressed appreciation to NEMA and state governments for ensuring a transparent and efficient distribution process.
The exercise also received commendation in Kebbi State, where Governor Dr. Nasir Idris praised the partnership between NEMA and KSrelief during the state flag-off in Birnin Kebbi. He described the food distribution as a practical demonstration of compassion and international solidarity, adding that the intervention would bring relief to thousands of vulnerable families across the state. The governor also applauded NEMA’s transparent coordination of the exercise and its commitment to ensuring that assistance reached deserving beneficiaries.
Beyond the official speeches, the true impact of the intervention was reflected in the heartfelt testimonies of beneficiaries whose lives were directly touched by the programme.
In Kebbi State, Malama Salamatu Audu expressed profound appreciation to KSrelief for the generous donation and commended NEMA for conducting an orderly, transparent and direct distribution process. In Benue State, Anger Igyo described the food basket as a welcome intervention that would provide significant relief for his family during a difficult period.
Similarly, Eze Maduabuchi from Anambra State thanked the donors for remembering vulnerable households, while Bukar Mala in Yobe State offered prayers for KSrelief and the Federal Government for extending support to people in need. In Taraba State, Danladi Umar also conveyed his gratitude, describing the assistance as timely and praying for continued blessings upon everyone involved in making the intervention a reality.
The successful completion of the distribution of all 24,302 food baskets is another testament to NEMA’s commitment to effective humanitarian coordination, transparency and accountability. More importantly, it underscores the value of sustained international cooperation in addressing humanitarian needs and building resilience among vulnerable communities.
As thousands of families across the five beneficiary states receive much-needed food support, the intervention stands as a powerful reminder that collaborative humanitarian action can restore hope, strengthen resilience and improve the lives of those who need assistance the most.
MANZO EZEKIEL writes from Abuja. He may be reached via;
manzoezekiel@gmail.com