The Kingdom of Thailand on Thursday donated 12 metric tonnes of rice valued at 22,000 dollars to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support communities affected by food insecurity in Nigeria.
Presenting the donation in Abuja, the Ambassador of Thailand to Nigeria, Mr. Thirapath Mongkolnavin, expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in the North-East, particularly in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states.
He said Thailand had been following developments in the region with concern and recognised the severe humanitarian challenges affecting hundreds of thousands of people.
“In response to this crisis, Thailand is pleased to contribute 12 metric tonnes of Thai rice valued at 22,000 dollars through the WFP to support communities affected by food insecurity.
“Earlier, the Royal Thai Government provided financial assistance of 10,000 dollars through the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund, managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), to support humanitarian efforts in the BAY states,” he said.
Mongkolnavin expressed hope that the donation would provide relief to vulnerable communities and contribute to ongoing humanitarian efforts.
He said Thailand, as one of the world’s leading rice-producing countries, remained willing to share its knowledge, experience and expertise in rice cultivation to support sustainable food security and agricultural development in Nigeria.
Receiving the donation, the WFP Deputy Country Director, Mr. Edouard Thiam, said the gesture reflected the shared commitment of Thailand, Nigeria and WFP to ending hunger and supporting vulnerable populations.
According to him, about six million people in North-East Nigeria are affected by insecurity and humanitarian challenges.
“This contribution underscores the growing partnership between Thailand, Nigeria and WFP.
“The inclusion of rice enhances the nutritional value and cultural relevance of our food assistance.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, said the donation reflected international solidarity, compassion and shared responsibility in addressing food insecurity.
“This timely contribution aligns with the efforts of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to strengthen social protection systems, enhance food security and improve the well-being of vulnerable citizens.
“As we celebrate this gesture today, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to building partnerships that advance sustainable development, reduce poverty and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
The intervention will be implemented by the WFP in partnership with the Federal Government to support new arrivals in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in North-East Nigeria. (NAN)
