As part of its national flood recovery food production plan, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has flagged off distribution of about 40,000 metric tonnes of food items to affected flood victims from the nation's Strategic Grain Reserve Silos across the country.

Speaking at the flag off of the distribution of the food items in Ilorin, Kwara State, at the weekend, the minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said that the goal was to address immediate food security needs of the flood affected areas.

The minister, who was represented by the state director of the ministry, Mr. Buhari Adebisi, said that the programme also aimed to double production in areas that were not affected by floods, to ensure that national food security was not threatened.

The minister, who said the food items included maize, sorghum, garri and millet, added that Kwara, Kogi, Kano and Bauchi states would pick their consignment from Ilorin Silo Complex.

He also said that Cross River State would receive a total of 1, 200 metric tonnes (garri, 30 metric tonnes, grains, 1,170 metric tonnes) of assorted food items, adding that the items translate to about 50 trailer loads of food items.

The minister, who said the items were distributed free of charge, urged beneficiaries not to sell them, warning that anyone caught would be prosecuted.

He said the president had approved a sum of N17.6 billion for flood affected states to address immediate challenges of displaced families, on food, sanitation, health and housing, adding that FG had also put in place emergency measures to reduce the impact of the flood on displaced farmers and allow them get back on their feet.

He also conveyed appreciation of Mr. President to the Kwara state government on its efforts and support of the state government in ensuring that the items reached intended beneficiaries.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Agricuture, Mr Yemi Jimoh, who thanked the FG for the gesture, added that the government would ensure that the food items get to beneficiaries.