The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Monday, donated 69 metric tonnes of dates to vulnerable populations in Nigeria through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

During the handover of the dates in Abuja, the country director, WFP, David Stevenson, commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the generous donation.

Mr Stevenson said that the inclusion of dates in the WFP’s food assistance package enhanced both the quality and cultural relevance of the support.

“This dates will directly benefit vulnerable communities in the Northeast, where food insecurity remains a pressing challenge.

“The 68 metric tonnes of dates are planned to reach not less than 34,000 households (approximately 170,000 people), with each household receiving two kilograms of dates.

“Distribution will take place in Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps across Borno State, tentatively earmarked for Damasak, Mafa, Dikwa and Damboa.

“We aim to align the distribution with in-kind food assistance cycles in these locations, tentatively scheduled for October, November, and December,” he said.

He said that the WFP would also conduct beneficiary sensitisation and state-level engagement to ensure the dates are well received and appropriately utilised.

The country director said that the event was a symbolic testament to shared humanitarian values and the power of collaboration.

He said that the WFP was proud to work alongside the Nigerian government and international partners to deliver life-saving assistance.

“This year, we will have reached close to 1.5 million of the most vulnerable populations in Northern Nigeria, helping them address their most urgent food and nutrition needs.

“As we celebrate this meaningful partnership, we also call on other donors and partners to join us in scaling up support for communities in need,” he said.

The Chargé D’Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Saad Fahad Almarri, said that the dates were donated through King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre to the WFP.

Mr Almarri said that it was also part of humanitarian assistance to the country.

“Today’s handover represents our shared commitment to provide necessary assistance, relief and food security all over the world, especially in the North East of Nigeria.

“It is worthy to note that, since its inception, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has executed 3,690 projects in 108 countries at about 8.1 billion dollars.

“It includes food security, health, humanitarian and emergency relief, education, early recovery, and charitable assistance, among others,” he said.

He said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was committed to providing extensive humanitarian support and assistance to the country, including food baskets and support for IDPs.

Mr Almarri said that there were also specialised healthcare programmes like combating blindness and its causes, and open-heart surgeries.

He said that they were in tandem with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to foster a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

Mr Almarri commended the WFP for its efforts in providing humanitarian support to Nigeria.

The minister of state for humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction, Yusuf Sununu, said that the donation of dates was not just a gift, but a symbol of compassion, partnership and shared humanity.

Mr Sununu, who was represented by the director of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation in the ministry, Jummai Katagunm, reiterated his commitment to strengthening partnerships.

He said that the ministry would also improve coordination and ensure that interventions like this were effectively integrated into broader strategies for resilience and stability

“For many vulnerable households across the country, particularly those grappling with the impact of conflict, displacement, poverty and food insecurity, this intervention will provide much-needed relief and comfort.

“It is yet another demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to supporting communities in need, and a reflection of the strong bond of cooperation between our two nations.

“We also commend the WFP for its pivotal role in ensuring that this donation reaches those who need it most.

“The WFP remains a trusted partner of the Federal Government in the fight against hunger, malnutrition and vulnerability, and we value this collaboration in driving forward our humanitarian and food security agenda,” he said.

Dates offer a wide range of health benefits, including improved cholesterol levels and reduced inflammation, among others.

(NAN)