By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — Sokoto State on Monday hosted the formal launch of a major federal humanitarian intervention, with Governor Ahmed Aliyu officially flagging off the distribution of nutrition assistance, food items, and essential drugs to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable populations across ten Northern states.

Speaking at the Kasarawa Conference Centre, Governor Aliyu expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for selecting Sokoto as the host of what he described as a “historic national exercise” aimed at alleviating food insecurity and malnutrition among the most at-risk Nigerians.

The governor welcomed the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, noting that his presence underscores the importance of the initiative and Sokoto’s role as a humanitarian hub in the region.

Governor Aliyu emphasized that the intervention demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to addressing hunger, malnutrition, and displacement through compassionate and responsive leadership.

“With Ramadan approaching, this initiative will bring relief and hope to the most vulnerable, especially women, children, the elderly, and displaced persons,” he said, commending President Tinubu for prioritizing the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

Highlighting his administration’s own efforts, Governor Aliyu revealed that Sokoto State had distributed 1,095 bags of rice and N347 million in cash support to families affected by banditry across seven local government areas. Through collaboration with the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Women and Children Affairs, the state has also provided essential food items, including rice, millet, maize, and sorghum, alongside financial assistance to affected citizens.

Ahead of Ramadan, the state government plans to distribute 50kg bags of maize and N50,000 cash to 1,000 beneficiaries, complementing the federal intervention targeting orphans, widows, persons with disabilities, IDPs, and the elderly.

Governor Aliyu also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has resulted in the construction of 100 housing units for IDPs in Illela, a border community impacted by displacement, with plans to expand the project to other affected areas within the current fiscal year.

“These efforts reflect our commitment to equity, inclusion, and social protection for all citizens, regardless of their circumstances,” the governor said, reaffirming transparency and accountability in the implementation of social intervention programs.

The event concluded with the official flag-off of nutrition, food, and drug distributions to vulnerable populations across the ten Northern states, with prayers that the initiative brings relief, hope, and renewed strength to the beneficiaries.

“May Allah bless Sokoto State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Governor Aliyu said.