Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has called for stronger federal collaboration to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Adamawa State.
Fintiri made the appeal while receiving the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro, at the Government House, Yola. The minister was in the state to flag off a presidential food and nutrition intervention programme targeting vulnerable households.
The governor said Adamawa was grappling with serious humanitarian challenges, noting that the intervention materials brought by the ministry would help cushion the hardship faced by residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
He assured that the items would be distributed transparently and efficiently to ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries.
According to him, the state government had already initiated measures to tackle humanitarian concerns, adding that the federal intervention had come at a critical time to complement ongoing efforts.
Fintiri urged the Federal Government not to lose sight of Adamawa, stressing that the state deserved sustained attention and support due to its peculiar security and socio-economic challenges.
Speaking during the visit, Doro said the delegation was in the state on a presidential directive to commence the distribution of food items and nutritional support, especially to children under five.
He explained that Adamawa was among 10 northern states selected to benefit from the initiative, which aims to combat malnutrition and food insecurity.
“Malnutrition among children under five is a serious issue. The President has directed that we continue from where the World Food Programme stopped due to shrinking international funding. The Federal Government has stepped in to ensure that support continues,” the minister said.
Doro added that Adamawa met the eligibility criteria due to its humanitarian situation and the prevalence of malnutrition worsened by ongoing crises in parts of the state.
He said the intervention would reach a significant number of beneficiaries and provide immediate relief, while strengthening efforts to reduce malnutrition and food insecurity across the state.
