Mubarak Shuaybu Shelleng
Umar Maaji
The Adamawa State Government on Wednesday distributed food items to 2,450 households, a gesture of support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The distribution which took place in Damare IDPs Camp in Girei LGA, is part of ongoing efforts to complement the federal government’s initiatives through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in assisting the state government in providing relief to victims of armed banditry and other disasters.
In his speech, the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Humanitarian Services, Barrister Bello Hamman Diram, commended the generous contribution of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. He noted that the aid will foster the recovery and development agenda of this administration.
The Governor expressed deep gratitude to the government and people of Saudi Arabia for their timely and impactful donation, emphasizing that this act of kindness comes at a critical time when many citizens are grappling with the harsh realities of conflict and displacement.
“This gesture of solidarity not only strengthens the bond of friendship between our two nations but also reflects our shared values of compassion and humanity,” said Fintiri.
He further emphasized that the support from KSrelief would play a vital role in addressing the needs of the displaced persons. He also highlighted the state’s commitment to implementing durable solutions, sharing details of the State Action Plan, which outlines a holistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by IDPs.
This plan covers areas such as shelter, healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities, and logistics operations.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony at the Damare IDP Camp in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, represented by Mr. Onibode A. Bandele, Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its continued humanitarian support to Nigeria.
Mr. Bandele reiterated that this initiative would positively impact thousands of vulnerable individuals, aligning with the shared commitment of both nations to “Unrestricted Humanity.” He stressed that this partnership ensures that essential aid reaches those who need it the most.
The food aid targets internally displaced persons (IDPs), orphans, widows, the elderly, and other at-risk individuals in Adamawa State.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Staff of ADSEMA and representatives from NEMA, marking a successful collaboration between Nigeria and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to address the humanitarian needs in the region.
