His Excellency, the President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari who is the Chairman of the National Food Security Council (NFSC) has flagged of the Distribution of Agricultural Inputs to beneficiary farmers who are affected by the 2020 flood disaster in the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari at the event held on Tuesday 3rd August 201 in Birnin Kebbi was represented by the Governor of Kebbi State, Alh. Atiku Bagudu who is the Vice Chairman of the NFSC.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq said “the emergency agricultural input distribution that is being flagged off today is therefore an additional support from the Federal Government through the National Food Security Council under the Chairmanship of Mr. President.
“The successful implementation of this intervention is therefore very important in assisting farmers with modern farm inputs and seeds that will support their speedy recovery from the disaster impact.”
She added “NEMA, which serves as the implementation secretariat of this intervention, has earlier identified the affected farmers through joint assessments with the various States Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and other partners. I therefore, use this opportunity to urge the identified beneficiaries to cooperate with the implementation teams and make the best use of the inputs provided to them.”
Sadiya who was represented by her Assistant on Disaster Management Aishat Ibrahim further stated “Let me also emphasize that this intervention is not a compensation for losses incurred by farmers. It is a demonstration of the great concern by Mr. President to support them to get back on their feet and once more restore their normal lives.”
Director General NEMA, Mustapha Habib Ahmed stated at the event that, the distribution exercise of the items to respective beneficiaries will commence immediately nationwide, across all the states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Present at the ceremony were representatives of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Development as well as Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.
The farm inputs to be distributed to the beneficiaries are fertilizers, seeds and seedlings, agro chemicals and other equipment.
Earlier on previous day, Director General NEMA Mustapha Habib Ahmed inspected the emergency agriculture input items delivered to warehouse in Birnin Kebbi preparatory to the formal flag off.
