By Nana Hauwa Musa

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Monday, donated 69 metric tonnes of dates to vulnerable populations in Nigeria through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

During the handover of the dates in Abuja, the Country Director, WFP, Mr David Stevenson, commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the generous donation.

Stevenson said that the inclusion of dates in WFP’s food assistance package enhanced both the quality and cultural relevance of the support.

“This dates will directly benefit vulnerable communities in the Northeast, where food insecurity remains a pressing challenge.

“The 68 metric tonnes of dates are planned to reach not less than 34,000 households (approximately 170,000 people) with each household receiving two kilograms of dates.

“Distribution will take place in Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps across Borno State, tentatively earmarked for Damasak, Mafa, Dikwa and Damboa.

“We aim to align the distribution with in-kind food assistance cycles in these locations, tentatively scheduled for October, November, and December,” he said.

He said that the WFP would also conduct beneficiary sensitisation and state-level engagement to ensure the dates are well received and appropriately utilised.

The country director said that the event was a symbolic testament to shared humanitarian values and the power of collaboration.

He said that the WFP was proud to work alongside the Nigerian government and international partners to deliver life-saving assistance.

“This year, we will have reached close to 1.5 million of the most vulnerable populations in Northern Nigeria, helping them address their most urgent food and nutrition needs.

“As we celebrate this meaningful partnership, we also call on other donors and partners to join us in scaling up support for communities in need,” said.

The Chargé D’Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Mr Saad Fahad Almarri, said that the dates were donated through King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre to the WFP.

Almarri said that it was also part of humanitarian assistance to the country.

“Today’s handover, represents our shared commitment to provide necessary assistance, relief and food security all over the world, especially in the North East of Nigeria.

“It is worthy to note that, since its inception, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has executed 3,690 projects in 108 countries at about 8.1 billion dollars.

“It includes, food security, health, humanitarian and emergency relief, education, early recovery, charitable assistance, among others,” he said.

He said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was committed to providing extensive humanitarian support and assistance to the country, including food baskets support for IDP.

Almarri said that there were also specialised healthcare programmes like combatting blindness and its causes, and open-heart surgeries.

He said that they were in tandem with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to foster a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

Almarri commended the WFP for its efforts in providing humanitarian support to Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, said that the donation of dates was not just a gift, but a symbol of compassion, partnership and shared humanity.

Sununu, who was represented by the Director of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in the ministry, Hajiya Jummai Katagunm, reiterated his commitment to strengthening partnerships.

He said that the ministry would also improve coordination and ensure that interventions like this were effectively integrated into broader strategies for resilience and stability.

“For many vulnerable households across the country, particularly those grappling with the impact of conflict, displacement, poverty and food insecurity, this intervention will provide much needed relief and comfort.

“It is yet another demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to supporting communities in need, and a reflection of the strong bond of cooperation between our two nations.

“We also commend the WFP for its pivotal role in ensuring that this donation reaches those who need it most.

“The WFP remains a trusted partner of the Federal Government in the fight against hunger, malnutrition and vulnerability, and we value this collaboration in driving forward our humanitarian and food security agenda,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that dates have a wide variety of health benefits, from improving cholesterol levels to reducing inflammation, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

By Tiamiyu Prudence Arobani

President Bola Tinubu has called for total elimination of nuclear weapons all over the world.

Tinubu made the call while delivering Nigeria’s statement at the high-level meeting to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons at the UN headquarters in New York.

Represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Tinubu said the event reminds the world of shared responsibility and collective resolve to eradicate dangerous weapons.

“Nigeria will continue to do its part to ensure total elimination of nuclear weapons is achieved,” Tinubu said.

According to him, the total elimination of nuclear weapons remains the only absolute guarantee against their use or threat of use.

“The catastrophic humanitarian consequences that could result from either intentional use or unintentional explosion of these dangerous weapons are dire,” he said.

Tinubu urged Nuclear Weapons States to be mindful of the impact of weapons of mass destruction on human health, the environment, and vital economic resources among others.

“We need to see action toward the dismantling of these weapons,” he said.

According to him, the continued existence of nuclear weapons is a huge challenge to international peace and security.

The Nigerian leader reiterated his concern over the resistance and lack of political will by Nuclear-Weapon States to ensure total elimination of their nuclear arsenals.

“We, therefore, urge all the Nuclear Weapons States to implement all agreed measures toward achieving total elimination of nuclear weapons.

“Nigeria also wishes to renew its call on all States to work assiduously toward the actualisation of the goals and objectives of a nuclear weapons-free world.

“We are convinced that the universalisation of the NPT is dependent upon strict compliance with its three pillars,” he said.

The three pillars are disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy

He commended all states that had ratified the TPNW and urged those yet to do so to accede without delay.

“My delegation takes pride in having actively contributed to the negotiation process and in being among the first countries to sign the treaty,” he said.

He said the the treaty represented a significant step toward achieving a world free of nuclear weapons.

“In this regard, my delegation also calls on all Nuclear-Weapon States to cease the testing, development, and modernisation of nuclear weapons, including associated research activities, ” he said.

He said the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons to humanity prompted African countries to adopt the Pelindaba Treaty, declaring Africa as a nuclear-weapons-free zone.

The Pelindaba Treaty prohibits, among other things, stationing of nuclear explosive devices and their testing in the entire space that constitutes the African continent.

Tinubu enjoined all member states from other regions, especially those regions that are not yet free of nuclear weapons to emulate Africa in their respective regions.

“Nigeria underscores the importance of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and, like many other developing countries, has embraced nuclear technology to advance its development goals,” he said.

Tinubu further reminded all states of their obligation to comply fully with existing frameworks in order to uphold global nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation norms.

According to him, the benefits of nuclear disarmament are enormous and cannot be underestimated.

“Member States must demonstrate sincerity of purpose and commitment to the goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

“While there are no easy solutions, we must remain resolutely focused on getting to a world free of nuclear weapons and be better assured of our survival as human race,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo