TheCable

The Zamfara state government has suspended the distribution of relief materials to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and will, instead, train them in various trades.

Faika Ahmed, the state commissioner for humanitarian affairs and disaster management, disclosed this on Friday, during the distribution of relief materials donated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre in Saudi Arabia.

According to NAN, she said the agency arrived at this decision after it observed that many beneficiaries do not use the materials for their original purpose and would, instead, put it up for sale.

“My ministry decided to come up with this new approach because we observed that many beneficiaries of various relief materials do not use the assistance for the purpose meant, which is to alleviate their sufferings,” she said.

“It is sad to note that bags and cartons of the relief materials which are usually customised with the inscription, ‘not for sale’, are seen in the markets, sometimes even before the end of the distribution exercise.

“We have tried to ensure that all our staff are not involved in any form of diversion of these materials, so that the support gets to the target beneficiaries.

“So please, you should use these in your homes for the benefit of your wives and children.”

The commissioner said the ministry had gotten approval from Bello Matawalle, governor of the state, to train the IDPs in various trades such as tailoring, knitting, soap and oil making.

According to her, this will make them self-reliant when they return to their communities.