By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has flagged off the third phase of palliatives for onward distribution to the 277 council wards in the State.
Governor Alia who performed the ceremony on Tuesday at the headquarters of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Makurdi, the State Capital, explained that the palliative is meant for all categories of people in the State irrespective of their political affiliations.
He further explained that the essence of the palliative is to cushion the immediate hardship occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy.
Alia also revealed conversation on the State Government employment shall commence in the second week of January, 2024 for Benue youths.
He promised that his administration will sustain salary payment for workers, pensioners and gratuity.
He emphasised that his administration was not focused on publicity stunts and propaganda, but committed to delivering good governance for the people.
He warned those out to distract him from performing his constitutional duties to desist and allow him deliver quality dividends of democracy to the masses.
He thanked the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu for the support given to him to support the State.
Earlier, the Chairman, Palliative Distribution Committee and Commissioner for Transportation and Energy, Barr. Omale Omale said the first phase of the palliative was the distribution of subsidised fertilizers to Benue farmers followed by the purchase of 100 buses for BENUE Links, the only State transportation company.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Governor Alia for ensuring prudent use of the palliative.
He stated that the palliative is for all categories, including the less privileged, members of the disabled community, widows, orphanage homes, amongst others.
Executive secretary of SEMA, James Iorpuu in his remarks, conveyed the gratitude of Internally Displaced Persons to the governor for his care and support and assured of even distribution of the palliative to the intended beneficiaries.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that the palliative is made up of 21 trucks of maize and 35 trucks of rice.