United Nations To Combat Food Insecurity In The Northeast With $375m

By Muhammad Babangida Muhammad

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State Tuesday saluted the United Nations UN for earmarking three hundred and seventy-five million dollars to fight food insecurity in the Northeast sub-region.

He made the commendation in an interview with newsmen shortly after he led a delegation from UN agencies to a meeting with community representatives of Madagali local government area in Gulak town.

The meeting was convened to assess humanitarian needs of the people devastated by activities of insurgency especially in the area of food security, with a view to bringing intervention.

Governor Fintiri said the role of the state government is to be proactive in rendering humanitarian support to the traumatized people as well as draw the attention of development partners and donor agencies in that regard.

The Governor represented by the Secretary to the State Government SSG, Malam Bashir Ahmad revealed that the government has allocated a proposed Humanitarian base site to the UN for establishment of humanitarian hub in Madagali.

He expressed the belief that Adamawa will get good consideration as according to him, the resident humanitarian coordinator assured him that the information gathered will enable the state to get good percentage of the money.

Earlier at the meeting with Community leaders at the Madagali local government council Secretariat, the UN humanitarian coordinator, Edward Kallon who is the leader of the delegation sympathized with people of the area over the activities of insurgency.

While acknowledging the effort of government and people towards improving security in the area, Mr Kallon urged the state government not to allow insurgents to establish structures in any part of Adamawa.

In their separate contributions, the Chairman Madagali local government council, Mr Aiden Tsukum and District Head of Duhu, Muhammad Mustafa Sanusi enumerated hunger, poverty, malnutrition, health challenges as some of the problems of the people in the area.

On his part, the district head of Gulak, Bello Ijadi suggested for construction of earth dam in the area so that youths can engage in dry season farming, which will keep them away from vices.

The representative of the Governor and the UN delegation after the meeting inspected the ongoing construction of office complex at the Madagali local government Secretariat and proposed humanitarian hub site.