Zaks Foundation for Humanity (ZFH), an NGO, has distributed food items to communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and environs on Monday, addressing the escalating food crisis.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the distribution, part of ZFH’s Nutritional Assistance Programme (NAP), targeted vulnerable women and families in Karu, Jiwa, Idu, and Kwamba community, Suleja, Niger State.
NAN also reports that the foundation distributed 100 packs of essential food items to vulnerable women in Idu and Jiwa and 200 packs to families in Karu and Kwamba, Suleja.
The packs contained rice, beans, corn flour, okro seasonings, salt, and vegetable oil.
ZHF Chairman Zakari Aliyu, highlighted Nigeria’s economic reality, emphasising the need to support vulnerable individuals and bring them joy.
“Poverty, food insecurity, and hunger have become alarmingly prevalent in Nigeria, with 40.7 per cent of the population projected to live below the international poverty line by the end of 2024.
“This crisis is fueled by economic downturn, soaring inflation, widespread unemployment, and relentless insecurity that has driven many farmers from their farms and dislocated others,” stated Aliyu.
Aliyu revealed that recent reports indicated a staggering increase of 10 million Nigerians pushed into poverty since 2023.
He emphasised that tackling this crisis demanded a unified approach through careful planning, sincerity of purpose, and determination.
“To address the situation, we need a concerted response.
“ZFH has the reach and expertise to make a sustainable impact, but we can only achieve this with the cooperation and partnership of well-meaning individuals, corporate entities, and government bodies,” Aliyu stressed.
He said as part of ZFH’s ongoing efforts, the distribution of food items would continue in Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa states in the coming days.
He added that ZFH’s NAP served as a lifeline for many, and collaborative solutions were crucial to overcome the challenge.
At the Suleja distribution, Mrs Maimuna Garba, expressed gratitude to the foundation’s chairman and prayed for Allah’s continued blessings upon the foundation.
By Aderogba George, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA