Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the distribution of food baskets and Kings Soya Oil donated by Qatar Charity in Nigeria to support less privileged persons and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
Governor Ododo, represented by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu, flagged off the exercise at a ceremony in Lokoja, the state capital, on Wednesday, praised Qatar Charity for the donation, describing it as evidence of the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian service and the welfare of vulnerable people.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing hardship, improving living conditions and ensuring that no one is left behind. He said partnerships with humanitarian organisations and development partners remain essential to complementing government efforts to support disadvantaged members of society.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Affairs and other officials overseeing the distribution to ensure the items reach intended beneficiaries transparently, fairly and without discrimination.
He also urged other organisations, well-meaning indigenes of the state and development partners to support its humanitarian efforts and help improve the lives of vulnerable residents. Ododo expressed hope that the donation would bring meaningful relief to beneficiary families and strengthen ties between the state government and Qatar Charity in Nigeria.
Hajia Rabietu Okute, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, thanked Qatar Charity for its support. She said her ministry would continue working with donors and humanitarian organisations to assist vulnerable people, and pledged that the donated items would reach those intended.
Nuhu Albee Musa, Welfare Officer I of Qatar Charity Nigeria, who represented the organisation’s country director, thanked the state government for accepting its request to partner with Kogi. He said the charity has operated in Nigeria for about six years, supporting vulnerable people, sponsoring students, assisting IDPs and building houses for the less privileged.
Musa said the current intervention would initially benefit 500 people. He expressed optimism that the relationship with the state government would lead to further humanitarian interventions.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Fatima Yakubu thanked Qatar Charity for remembering the less privileged at a time when many families needed support. She also thanked Ododo for partnering with organisations that assist poor and vulnerable people.
