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The initiative, which was inaugurated on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, will run for 12 consecutive months. It is designed to support low income families struggling with hunger and malnutrition due to economic hardship and rising food costs.
At the flag off ceremony, more than 500 households received food relief packages. Each package contained a 10kg bag of rice, groundnut oil, salt, soap, and other essential food condiments.
Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, stated that the initiative reflects the government’s deep commitment to the welfare of its citizens. He noted that hunger remains a pressing issue globally and locally, citing a United Nations report which estimated that over 735 million people faced hunger in 2020.
According to him, many Nigerians, including those in Enugu State, continue to face food insecurity caused by economic shocks, climate change, displacement, and widespread poverty. He emphasized that the program is not just a palliative measure but a “structured, strategic, and sustainable response” to hunger.
“This is not just a political obligation, it is a moral one,” the governor said. “No citizen of Enugu State should go to bed hungry.”
As part of the program’s sustainability plan, the state government is sourcing food items from local farmers. This approach is intended to strengthen rural economies, boost agricultural productivity, and create economic opportunities within communities.
Governor Mbah also highlighted the collaborative nature of the program, which involves partnerships with traditional rulers, religious organisation, civil society groups, and private sector actors. These stakeholders will help ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the distribution process.
The program aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs and Focal Person for the programme, Mrs. Onyinye Akubilo Okpalanma, explained that the food support project is rooted in three main pillars: targeted support to vulnerable households, transparency and community participation, and economic inclusion through local sourcing.
She described the initiative as a “symbolic and practical step” toward eradicating hunger and promoting inclusive well being among the state's most vulnerable groups. Akubilo Okpalanma acknowledged the contributions of private sector partners such as Sapphire and Ceramic Nigeria Limited, as well as the support of the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Mr. Beloved Dan Anike, in facilitating the programme’s rollout.
“This gathering is not just ceremonial,” she noted, “It represents a collective commitment to ending hunger, promoting nutrition, and improving livelihoods.”
