by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: As part of Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to address and support vulnerable households on food insecurity across the country, about 2,000 vulnerable persons in Plateau State have benefited from the distribution exercise.
This was during the launching of the Federal Government Presidential Food and Nutrition Assistance Programme in Plateau State on Monday, at new Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.
Our Correspondent reports that the food items include bags of rice, beans and maize, as well as palm oil, groundnut oil, seasoning cubes (Maggi), salt and sachet tomatoes to support household nutrition and food security.
The programme was officially flagged-off by the State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Minister of Humanitarian, with Federal and State Government officials, humanitarian partners, traditional rulers and community representatives in attendance.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, flagged-off the distribution of food and nutrition assistance – which was aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship and rising food insecurity.
The intervention brought together beneficiaries from the 17 local government areas of the state, and is designed to provide relief and support in addressing poverty and vulnerability.
The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe; and the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, were present to flag-off the distribution exercise.
Speaking during the occasion, Governor Mutfwang commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians, noting that the intervention demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting citizens, while they await the long-term benefits of ongoing economic reforms.
According to him, many of the economic reforms introduced by Mr. President are well-intentioned and, by the grace of God, they will yield the desired fruits.
“But, in the meantime, Mr. President recognizes the need to ensure that while people are waiting for the bigger results, they do not go hungry,” the governor stated.
He likened the intervention to a temporary measure designed to provide relief, while broader economic reforms aimed at improving the living conditions of Nigerians begin to take full effect.
“All mothers know that when they are cooking food and the children become hungry before the meal is ready, they look for something for the children to chew first before the main food is served. That is exactly what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done through this intervention,” he explained.
Governor Mutfwang further emphasized that Plateau State Government is pursuing long-term strategies to strengthen food security and empower farmers across the state so they could become economically self-reliant.
Mutfwang stressed thus: “Beyond these interventions, we must help our people learn how to fish, and not just give them fish to eat. That is why this season we are procuring an unprecedented number of trucks of fertilizers, which will be provided at subsidized rates to farmers across all local government areas,” he said.
He also encouraged the people of the State to work together with Government, the APC National Chairman, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, in order to move the state forward.
Speaking at the event, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, expressed satisfaction that the programme he initiated during his tenure as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction is being successfully implemented.
“Today, I am one of the most fulfilled persons because this project was my baby. I secured the funding for it as a special intervention programme approved by Mr. President to support vulnerable and malnourished communities,” he said.
He commended the current Minister for sustaining the programme as originally designed, noting that it will go a long way in addressing malnutrition, providing relief to vulnerable households, and giving Nigerians hope, while awaiting the full benefits of President Tinubu’s economic reforms.
“The person, who succeeded me, ensured that the programme was implemented exactly as it was designed. Nothing was reversed,” Goshwe added.
Prof. Goshwe further highlighted the social protection initiatives under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, revealing that millions of Nigerians are already benefiting from government interventions.
“Social protection is one of the key pillars of this administration. Over seven million households have received support, impacting about thirty-five million Nigerians,” he stated.
The APC National Chairman also called on his supporters in Plateau State, who may feel aggrieved with Governor Caleb Mutfwang, to set aside their grievances in the interest of peace, unity, and development.
“If you have any grievances against the Governor because of me, please, drop them. That is in the past. The future is more important than the past, and we will work together in the interest of Plateau State,” he said.
He further disclosed that discussions had already commenced with the President regarding the dualization of key federal roads connecting Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe, assuring that funding support is being pursued.
Also, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, described the event as both a national responsibility and a deeply personal moment for him as a son of Plateau State.
“Returning home in my capacity as a minister to deliver this intervention is both a professional responsibility and a deeply personal one. Plateau is not just my home; it is part of the story that shaped who I am,” he said.
The Minister explained that the food and nutrition assistance programme forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at addressing vulnerability and reducing poverty across the country.
“This intervention is not just about food on the table today; it is about restoring dignity, rebuilding livelihoods, and ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians can move, from humanitarian assistance to lasting economic opportunity,” Doro stated.
He further disclosed that beneficiaries would be integrated into the National Social Register to enable them access a wider range of Federal Government social protection and poverty reduction programmes.
The ceremony marked the official commencement of the distribution of relief materials targeted at vulnerable households across Plateau State, including widows, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, and communities affected by food insecurity.