GOVERNOR MUTFWANG, APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN PROF. NENTAWE YILWATDA, MINISTER OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS DR. BERNARD DORO FLAG OFF FG FOOD AND NUTRITION SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS IN PLATEAU

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday put smiles on the faces of vulnerable households across Plateau State as the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, flagged off the distribution of food and nutrition assistance aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship and rising food insecurity.

The intervention, which was officially launched at the New Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, brought together beneficiaries from the 17 local government areas of the state and is designed to provide relief and support in addressing poverty and vulnerability.

Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang; the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe; and the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, were present to flag off the distribution exercise. 

The event marked a historic humanitarian engagement at Government House following the recent political realignment in the state.

Governor Mutfwang commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians, noting that the intervention demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting citizens while they await the long-term benefits of ongoing economic reforms.

“Many of the economic reforms introduced by Mr. President are well-intentioned and, by the grace of God, they will yield the desired fruits. But in the meantime, Mr. President recognizes the need to ensure that while people are waiting for the bigger results, they do not go hungry,” the Governor stated.

He likened the intervention to a temporary measure designed to provide relief while broader economic reforms aimed at improving the living conditions of Nigerians begin to take full effect.

“All mothers know that when they are cooking food and the children become hungry before the meal is ready, they look for something for the children to chew first before the main food is served,” he explained. “That is exactly what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done through this intervention.”

Governor Mutfwang further emphasized that the Plateau State Government is pursuing long-term strategies to strengthen food security and empower farmers across the state to become economically self-reliant.

“Beyond these interventions, we must help our people learn how to fish and not just give them fish to eat. That is why this season we are procuring an unprecedented number of trucks of fertilizer which will be provided at subsidized rates to farmers across all local government areas,” he said.

The Governor also encouraged the people of Plateau State to work together with government, the APC National Chairman, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to move the state forward.

Speaking at the event, the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, expressed satisfaction that the programme he initiated during his tenure as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction is being successfully implemented.

“Today, I am one of the most fulfilled persons because this project was my baby. I secured the funding for it as a special intervention programme approved by Mr. President to support vulnerable and malnourished communities,” he said.

He commended the current Minister for sustaining the programme as originally designed, noting that it will go a long way in addressing malnutrition, providing relief to vulnerable households, and giving Nigerians hope while awaiting the full benefits of President Tinubu’s economic reforms.

“The person who succeeded me ensured that the programme was implemented exactly as it was designed. Nothing was reversed,” Goshwe added.

Professor Goshwe further highlighted the social protection initiatives under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, revealing that millions of Nigerians are already benefiting from government interventions.

“Social protection is one of the key pillars of this administration. Over seven million households have received support, impacting about thirty-five million Nigerians,” he stated.

The APC National Chairman also called on his supporters in Plateau State who may feel aggrieved with Governor Caleb Mutfwang to set aside their grievances in the interest of peace, unity, and development.

“If you have any grievances against the Governor because of me, please drop them. That is in the past. The future is more important than the past, and we will work together in the interest of Plateau State,” he said.

He further disclosed that discussions had already commenced with the President regarding the dualization of key federal roads connecting Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe, assuring that funding support is being pursued.

In his remarks, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, described the event as both a national responsibility and a deeply personal moment for him as a son of Plateau State.

“Returning home in my capacity as a minister to deliver this intervention is both a professional responsibility and a deeply personal one. Plateau is not just my home; it is part of the story that shaped who I am,” he said.

The Minister explained that the food and nutrition assistance programme forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at addressing vulnerability and reducing poverty across the country.

“This intervention is not just about food on the table today; it is about restoring dignity, rebuilding livelihoods, and ensuring that vulnerable Nigerians can move from humanitarian assistance to lasting economic opportunity,” Doro stated.

He further disclosed that beneficiaries would be integrated into the National Social Register to enable them access a wider range of Federal Government social protection and poverty reduction programmes.

The ceremony marked the official commencement of the distribution of relief materials targeted at vulnerable households across Plateau State, including widows, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, and communities affected by food insecurity.

Gyang Bere

Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State

March 9, 2026