In a bold move to tackle food insecurity and uplift vulnerable households, the Enugu State Government has launched a yearlong Sustainable Food Distribution Programme aimed at delivering locally sourced food items to poor families across the state.
The initiative, flagged off at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, will begin with 500 households and scale up in phases to reach more beneficiaries.
Representing Governor Dr. Peter Mbah at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, described the programme as a structured and strategic response to the growing challenge of hunger not a mere palliative gesture.
“This is not just a political obligation. It is a moral one,” Onyia said. “The Sustainable Food Distribution Programme is designed not only to meet immediate needs but also to support rural food producers and integrate them into our supply chain, ensuring sustainability.”
The programme is spearheaded by the state’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Office and aligns with several global targets, including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
According to Onyia, food insecurity remains a global crisis, affecting over 735 million people as of 2020, but Enugu is determined to lead with innovation and resolve.
While addressing attendees, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs, Engr. Onyinye Akubuilo-Okpalanma, described the programme as a powerful symbol of shared commitment to ending hunger and promoting inclusive well-being.
“We are not just giving food. We are investing in hope, dignity, and human development,” she said.
The government also emphasized that its strategy goes beyond handouts. Plans are underway to deepen investment in agriculture by supporting smallholder farmers with training, agro-inputs, grants, and climate resilience systems to drive long-term food security in the state.
Private sector collaborators including Sapphire Ceramics Nigeria Limited, Jenew Homes Nig. Ltd., and Enugu East Local Government Council, were praised for their role in actualizing the initiative.
Beneficiaries received staple food items such as rice, beans, potatoes, salt, groundnut oil, and soap. Gratitude poured in from recipients like Mrs. Ngozi Uzo, who said, “Only someone who has struggled to buy food will understand the impact of this. We will be collecting food for the next 11 months, and that is not a small thing.”
Mrs. Cordelia Chidiobe and Mrs. Susan Ezeh also expressed their appreciation, offering prayers for Governor Mbah’s continued success.
Representatives of local and national dignitaries, including the Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Hon. Beloved Anike; Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication, Prof. Benedett Ekwutosi Okoli; and the SSA to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, commended the effort and urged other states to follow Enugu’s example in addressing food insecurity through sustainable means.
