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Republic of Korea contribution provides lifesaving WFP food assistance to conflict-affected Nigerians

ABUJA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a contribution of US$500,000 from the Republic of Korea that will provide one month of food assistance for nearly 125,000 food-insecure people in the conflicted-affected northeast Nigerian states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.

“The Korean Government has been making unwavering efforts to address the needs of the most vulnerable people and I’m glad that we are endowing Nigeria with the total sum of US$2.5 million, including our recent contribution to WFP,” said Maj. General (Rtd) In-tae Lee, Republic of Korea Ambassador to Nigeria. “We stand ready to fight against malnutrition and poverty, joining hands with the people of Nigeria,” he added.

This contribution will allow WFP to continue to provide food assistance to Nigerian families displaced or otherwise affected by a devastating conflict now entering its tenth year. Through in-kind food assistance procured with the contribution, recipient families will be able to prepare and consume nutritious meals every day to stay healthy.

“This timely funding from the Republic of Korea builds on earlier support when parts of northeast Nigeria were on the verge of famine,” said Myrta Kaulard, WFP Representative in Nigeria. “Thanks to this lifesaving action, we can continue to sustain the momentum of our response in northeast Nigeria, where large numbers of people remain reliant upon WFP assistance made possible through the generosity of donors such as the Republic of Korea.”

Earlier this year, the Republic of Korea made a historic US$42.5 million contribution to WFP, its largest contribution to date. WFP used the funds to purchase 50,000 metric tons of Korean rice and provide life-saving food assistance in Yemen, Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda.

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The United Nations World Food Programme - saving lives in emergencies and changing lives for millions through sustainable development. WFP works in more than 80 countries around the world, feeding people caught in conflict and disasters, and laying the foundations for a better future.

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