Abuja: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), donated 68 metric tonnes of dates to assist vulnerable populations in Nigeria. During a handover event held in Abuja, the WFP's Country Director, Mr. David Stevenson, extended gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its significant donation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Stevenson highlighted that the inclusion of dates in the WFP's food assistance packages enhances both the quality and cultural relevance of their aid. The donation aims to benefit vulnerable communities in Northeast Nigeria, where food insecurity is a critical issue. The distribution is planned to reach approximately 34,000 households, amounting to about 170,000 individuals, with each household receiving two kilograms of dates.
Distribution will occur in Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps across Borno State, specifically targeting areas such as Damasak, Mafa, Dikwa, and Damboa. The WFP intends to align the distribution with ongoing in-kind food assistance cycles slated for October, November, and December. Additionally, the WFP will conduct beneficiary sensitisation and state-level engagement to ensure the dates are received and used appropriately.
Mr. Stevenson emphasized the symbolic nature of the event, representing shared humanitarian values and the strength of collaboration. He expressed pride in working with the Nigerian government and international partners to deliver essential aid, aiming to reach close to 1.5 million vulnerable individuals in Northern Nigeria this year.
Mr. Saad Fahad Almarri, Charg© D'Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, stated that the donation was facilitated through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. Almarri noted that this contribution is part of a broader humanitarian effort to provide necessary assistance and food security, particularly in Northeast Nigeria.
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has executed 3,690 projects in 108 countries, with a total value of about 8.1 billion dollars, encompassing food security, health, emergency relief, education, and more. Almarri reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to extensive humanitarian support, including food baskets for IDP and healthcare programmes.
Dr. Yusuf Sununu, Nigeria's Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, emphasized that the donation symbolizes compassion, partnership, and shared humanity. Represented by Hajiya Jummai Katagunm, Dr. Sununu affirmed the ministry's commitment to strengthening partnerships and ensuring effective coordination of such interventions.
The donation is expected to provide essential relief to vulnerable households affected by conflict, displacement, poverty, and food insecurity. It underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to supporting communities in need and highlights the strong cooperation between the two nations. The WFP's role in facilitating the delivery of this aid was also commended, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in Nigeria's efforts to combat hunger and vulnerability.