The Benue government has distributed 17,940 bags of maize and 4,132 bags of garri, which the federal government donated through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

James Iorpuu, the executive secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said that the palliatives were for the most vulnerable people while performing the ceremony on Thursday in Makurdi.

Mr Iorpuu said 17,940 bags of maize, 50kg and 4,132 bags of garri 25kg, would be distributed to the 276 council wards. He said each ward would get 65 bags of maize and 15 bags of garri.

Mr Iorpuu said the palliatives were a lifeline for the most vulnerable citizens.

Mr Iorpuu emphasised that everyone’s collective responsibility was to ensure they were distributed fairly and efficiently.

He said the palliatives came from the federal government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The SEMA official said, “These vital food items are intended to reach the most vulnerable among us. They are the widows, orphanage homes, the elderly (65 years and above), government schools, especially boarding schools and religious bodies, and the physically challenged across all our 276 local government council wards.

“The total number of items to be distributed includes 17,940 bags of maize 50kg and 4,132 bags of Garri 25kg. Each council ward will take 65 bags of maize and 15 bags of garri.”

Mr Iorpuu added, “Our distribution plan is systematic and organised to ensure that every local government receives its fair share. We will commence with Zone A today, July 25, 2024. Following this, Zone B will receive its palliatives on July 26, 2024, and finally, Zone C on 27th of July 2024.

“Each local government must adhere to its designated day. Any local government that misses its turn will have to wait until the mop-up day on Sunday, July, 28.”

He urged the LG chairpersons to maintain the highest levels of transparency in the distribution process.

(NAN)