The Rivers State Government has received the donation of 21,650 bags of grains from the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

The Rivers State Government has received the donation of 21,650 bags of grains from the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara took delivery of the donated items in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The event formed part of the Rivers State Government and NEMA joint Flag-off of the Federal Government Grain Distribution exercise in the State.

The donated food items consist of 3, 680 bags of garri and 17,970 bags of corn.

They are part of the Presidential food palliative initiative distributed to cushion the effects of hunger and the economic hardship faced by many families across Nigeria.

Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo represented governor Fubara.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the donation of the food items to the State.

Governor Fubara informed that a Local Organising Committees (LOCs) has already been set up.

He said the committees are headed by the Caretaker Committee Chairmen in each local government area.

They have been instructed, he stated, to distribute the food items to the most vulnerable people in the area.

“This is a very welcome development. Everyone can see that there is need for all levels of Government at the Federal, State and Local governments to intervene in the fight against hunger.

“In Rivers State, we have put in place several machineries to ensure we tackle the challenge of hunger. 

"First, by tackling insecurity, encouraging agriculture at all levels and also providing direct palliative interventions. 

"I can recall we distributed food palliatives in December, April and today the Federal Government headed by Mr President, through NEMA intervention is here to support what the state has been doing,” he said

The Governor emphasized the support of the State Government to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, noting that he will continue to do so to ensure there is peace and security, food and other necessary amenities in the country.

"Rivers State is indeed happy and we key in and support the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are also doing everything possible to support the federal government fight against the scourge of hunger affecting all parts of the country.

“We will continue to support Mr President’s fight against insecurity in the country because one of the major causes of the food challenge is insecurity, particularly in the rural areas.

"Rivers State Government is doing everything possible to ensure we have absolute peace so that our farmers and fishermen can freely go out and produce food for the populace.

“We assure Mr President and the people of Rivers State that in conjunction with NEMA, we have put in place quick machinery to ensure the food gets to the smallest and farthest part of the state and also make certain every section of the state will benefit from what you have provided today.

The South-South Zonal Director of NEMA, Mr. Walson Brandan, explained that the food items were from the National Strategic Reserve.

It is coordinated under the custody of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as approved by Mr President for vulnerable Nigerians.

"It is worthy of note that based on the allocation table, Rivers State has been allocated 17,970 bags of 50kg maize and 3,680 bags of garri. 

"The above food items will be shared equally to all the LGAs in the State. On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, handover to Rivers State the above food commodities for onward distribution."

Also present was the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Port Harcourt LGA, Ezebunwo Ichemati, who assured that all the Caretaker Chairmen will judiciously distribute the food items as instructed.

“This is a landmark achievement for Mr. President, for thinking it wise to reach out to the people at the grassroots. 

"A lot of persons are happy and asking me to tell Mr President through our Governor thank you for reaching out to them. 

"I assure you that because of the kind of Governor we have, who does not interfere with things like these but ensures that it gets to the people, we will make sure the essence this was delivered, will be achieved."

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Dr. Agiriye Harry gave the assurance of making sure that the donated food items are properly handed over to all the designated LGA’s.

“Everything that is over zero is a plus. We accept it and appeal that next time, they consider our needs. This is the fourth food palliative distribution by Rivers State Government."