FG Distributes Food, Nutrition Support to Benue IDPs, Assures Sustained Assistance and Dignity-Restoring Interventions

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Federal Government has distributed food and nutrition support items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and conflict-affected community members in Benue State.

The exercise was conducted under the Presidential Initiative for Food and Nutrition Assistance.
Addressing residents at the IBB Square in Makurdi, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, described the gesture as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to standing by communities impacted by displacement, insecurity, communal clashes, and disrupted livelihoods.
Doro noted with concern that Benue State, widely regarded as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has in recent years experienced significant humanitarian challenges resulting from armed violence, farmer-herder conflicts, displacement, and destruction of farmlands. He said these issues have weakened agricultural productivity, disrupted food systems, and placed heavy burdens on households—particularly women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and IDPs.
He assured that the Federal Government remains steadfast and will not allow humanitarian gaps to widen or abandon vulnerable citizens in their time of need.
According to him, the intervention is aimed not only at addressing the immediate impact of displacement and food insecurity but also at serving as a gateway to broader, transformative support.
He explained that the ministry is spearheading a flagship reform initiative known as the One Humanitarian–One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), which is designed to ensure that affected populations do not receive only one-time assistance.
“It means that families receiving food and nutrition support today should not return to vulnerability tomorrow. Instead, they must be connected to national social protection programmes, conditional cash transfers, livelihood support schemes, skills development initiatives, micro-enterprise support, and other poverty-exit mechanisms that restore self-dignity,” he said.
In his response, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Sam Ode, commended the Federal Government, stating that the intervention came at a crucial moment for the state.
Alia decried the large-scale internal displacement across several local government areas, destruction of farmlands, declining agricultural output, rising malnutrition among children and pregnant women, increasing poverty levels, loss of household incomes, and overcrowded IDP camps. He noted that these challenges have overstretched essential services such as water supply, sanitation, healthcare, and education.
He said the Presidential Initiative reflects strong political will and national solidarity, demonstrating the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk communities.
The governor expressed deep appreciation for what he described as the compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment of the Federal Government in supporting Benue during a difficult period.
Describing the items as a lifeline for thousands of vulnerable households, Alia said his administration has established mechanisms to guarantee transparency, accountability, and fair distribution to targeted beneficiaries, especially IDPs, widows, orphaned children, and low-income families in severely affected communities.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, said the intervention provides immediate food and nutrition support to households affected by displacement and other humanitarian crises.
He stated that the programme is being implemented under the Presidential Initiative for Emergency Food and Nutrition Support as part of the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He added that it prioritises data-driven targeting, expansion of the social register, enhanced transparency, and efficient last-mile delivery to ensure that assistance reaches those most in need.
Olusanya further said the Federal Government is collaborating closely with the Benue State Government and other partners to strengthen humanitarian coordination, improve assistance to displaced and host communities, and promote durable solutions that support recovery, stability, and resilience.
Some beneficiaries, including Mary Ahuna and Kpadoo Lubem, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the support. Ahuna said it was the first time she had received such substantial assistance and prayed for wisdom and continued commitment from leaders to reach vulnerable citizens.
The Manager of the Mega IDP Camp, Jude Aondohemba, also appreciated the gesture, noting that more than 600 individuals from his camp benefited. He said each household received a 25kg bag each of rice, beans, and garri, a 4-litre gallon of red oil, and a 6-litre gallon of groundnut oil.