The Osun state government on Thursday flagged off distributions of the Federal Government’s palliatives to the people of the state, appealing to the central and subcommittee members handling the distributions across the state to be upright and honest and ensure the most vulnerable ones benefitted from the items.
Speaking at the event held at the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA) Warehouse in Abere, Senator Ademola Adeleke charged beneficiaries to make good use of the provided resources during this period of economic hardships.
Governor Ademola Adeleke appreciated the federal government, noting that the initiative was a vital lifeline to many.
The Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Emergency Management, Hon. Emiola Fakeye, said, “This initiative is a vital lifeline for many, and I am deeply grateful to all who have made it possible.
“First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their unwavering support and dedication to the wellbeing of our people. Your commitment to providing timely assistance in times of need is commendable, and today’s event is a testament to your ongoing efforts.
“As we commence this distribution, I urge all beneficiaries to make the most of these resources. These items are provided to support you and your families during these challenging times, and it is crucial that they are used wisely and judiciously.”
In his own submission, a member of the palliative distribution committee who doubles as the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, and his counterpart from the Ministry of Commerce, Prince Bayo Ogungbamigbe, maintained that the governor had directed that the palliatives be distributed fairly, without bias.
They thereafter emphasised that only the deserving vulnerable groups received them and appreciated both the federal and state governments for providing the food items and necessary logistics.
However, the Federal Government, through the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, said the gesture was to cushion the effect of the high cost of food items in the country.
Umar revealed that a total of 42,0000 MT of assorted food commodities were released by the federal government to be distributed nationwide.
She disclosed that Osun State got 23,400 bags of 50 kg maize and 5,040 bags of 25 kg Garri.
She noted that the food would be shared equally with all the local governments in the state, adding that 20% of the food items due for each local government in the state should be given to religious organisations.
“You would recall that in fulfilment of his promise to reduce the impact of the current economic downturn being experienced in the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr President approved the release of 42,000 MT of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve under the custody of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMoA&FS). The assorted food commodities include maize, millet, sorghum, and garri.
“Distinguished stakeholders, after sharing the commodities and successfully transporting the quantities allocated to Osun State, today we are here to hand- over the food items to the State Government for distribution to the identified deserving beneficiaries in the communities through the constituted Committees in each LGA.
“It is worthy of note that based on the allocation table, Osun State has been allocated: 1,170 MT of maize (23,400 bags of 50 kg) and 126 MT of garri (5,040 bags of 25 kg). The above food items will be shared equally with all the LGAs in the state.
“Also, based on the directives of Mr President, 20% of the food items due for each LGA should be given to religious organisations (JNI & CAN) and 3% to be given to boarding schools in the LGAS,” the NEMA boss said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Manager, Osun Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), Babajide Falade, urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the commodities.
According to him, “Today’s event, a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and the Osun State Government, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our people, particularly those who have been hardest hit by the current economic challenges.
“The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. We are all aware of the hardships faced by many families across our state, and it is our duty, as government representatives, to alleviate some of these burdens and ensure that no one is left behind. These palliatives, which include essential food items and other necessities, are intended to provide immediate relief and to help cushion the effects of these trying times.
“As we flag off this distribution today, I urge all beneficiaries to make the best use of the items they receive. Let us also remember that this effort is part of a larger commitment by both the Federal and State Governments to improve the quality of life for all our citizens.
“We are dedicated to continuing our work to ensure that every citizen of Osun State feels the positive impact of our governance.”
Also, the Chief Legal Officer of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) in the state, Barrister John Kalu, commended the efforts of the federal and state governments for their contributions in ensuring people’s welfare is adequately taken care of.
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