The federal government has handed over 24,180 bags of 50kg maize and 5,828 bags of 25kg garri to the Akwa Ibom government for distribution to vulnerable households.

Zubaida Umar, the director-general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), made the presentation on behalf of the federal government in Uyo.

Ms Umar said the donation was in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s promise to Nigerians.

The federal government approved the release of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food items from the National Strategic Reserve to vulnerable households.

Ms Umar said the president’s promise was the government’s way of reducing the impact of the current economic hardship in the country.

“We are here to hand over the food items to the state government for distribution to the intended beneficiaries in the communities,” she said.

The NEMA boss added that the food items should be shared in the communities through properly constituted committees at the local government levels.

She explained that membership of the local government committees should include the council chairman, representatives of the State Emergency Management Agency and the traditional institutions.

Ms Umar also mentioned that 20 per cent of the food items for each council area should be given to religious groups and three per cent to boarding schools in the area.

(NAN)