T200 Foundation Marks One Year Milestone by Feeding 19,000 IDPs Amidst Nigeria’s Acute Hunger Crisis

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

In response to Nigeria’s alarming hunger index, the T200 Foundation, a non-governmental organization committed to alleviating hunger, celebrated its one-year milestone by successfully feeding 19,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the country.

The Foundation, in a statement at the weekend, signed by its Executive Director, Amb. Emmanuel Nnamdi Osadebay, said Nigeria currently ranks 103 out of 121 countries in the hunger index, with a severe score of 27.3.

Osadebay noted that the foundation initiated its flagship program, the “Feed the Hungry Programme,” on December 16, 2022, at the Durumni IDP Camp in Abuja, providing meals for 2,000 individuals. Subsequent editions in Maiduguri and Rabah IDP camps in Borno State accommodated 7,000 and 10,000 persons, respectively, in January and August 2023.

Collaborating with government agencies such as State Emergency Management Agencies, the Nigerian Police Force, the military, Lead Generation Initiative, and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in Sokoto State, T200 Foundation successfully orchestrated these initiatives.

On May 28, 2023, T200 Foundation unveiled its inaugural Nigeria Zero Hunger Report at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. The report assessed hunger and malnutrition using key indicators like access to food, undernourishment, child stunting, child waste, and child mortality. The report aims to guide policymakers in targeting interventions to combat food insecurity and malnutrition.

Amb. Osadebay, expressed that the foundation’s activities align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 – zero hunger. He emphasized the commitment to not only providing immediate relief but also creating sustainable solutions, exemplified by the establishment of T200 Integrated Farms Limited.

Amb. Osadebay stated, “While feeding their stomachs and bringing smiles, we are committed to ensuring we create sustainable zero hunger options.” T200 Foundation has partnered with Blue Quarry and Mines Limited to supply materials for modern farming, contributing to employment and food security for vulnerable communities.

Looking ahead, the foundation is gearing up for the Feed the Hungry Programme in Kano, targeting 15,000 persons at the IDP camp. This event, in collaboration with the Kano State Emergency Management Agency, is scheduled for January 2024 and will serve as part of the foundation’s one-year anniversary celebrations.