The Federal Government is expected to commence the distribution of the 50 tons of dates donated by the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the country as part of ongoing efforts to improve their well-being.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan gave the assurance after the handing over of the items from the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking during the brief handing-over ceremony in Abuja, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa explained that the donation of the food items was an extension of the long-standing cordial relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
According to Ambassador Lamuwa, the 50 tonnes dates were meant for the distribution to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and those that the Ministry deems appropriate.
He averred “As Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, you know where it punches most. For us as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we liaise with the Saudi Government, we received these cartons, 50 tonnes of dates.
“And this is a formal handing over to say we have delivered our message and we received them with all gratitude to the people of Saudi Arabia.”
Speaking further on the existing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Lamuwa said: “You know the relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia goes beyond donations.
“We have had engagements both at the political and at the business partnerships.
“So, this is just a gesture that was originally supposed to be delivered during Ramadan. We all know the tradition of taking dates during Ramadan.
“But because of the logistics and the rate at which they were distributing country by country, perhaps maybe in alphabetical order, before it gets to Nigeria the month of Ramadan had ended.
“So, we are just getting them some weeks after, ideally we would have gotten these during Ramadan.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan said: “On behalf of the management and staff of the Ministry for this wonderful gesture; for being the bridge for this particular item to be delivered to the Ministry for onward distribution to the needy within the camps and outside the camps.
“And wish to assure you that the Ministry will do the needful.
“We will make sure that the distribution is properly done and the beneficiaries receive the items. We will not disappoint,” he said.
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