Subsidy palliatives: Ogun, Oyo, Osun, others confirm receipt of N2bn FG funding, as states roll out food aid to ease hardship
…Oyo Gov declares support for local farmers during purchases
…Kwara Gov forms 12-person committee to oversee distribution
By Sodiq Adelakun
In a bid to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians, State Government’s have commenced the distribution of the N5 billion and food items as palliatives to various states across the country.
This move comes after the announcement made during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday, August 17, 2023.
Borno State Governor, Babagan Zulum, disclosed this decision during an interactive session with State House correspondents.
The aim of these palliatives is to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens due to the removal of fuel subsidies.
Not less than six states, including Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kataina and Kwara, have already confirmed the receipt of their share of the palliatives.
The Ogun State Government, for instance, has received 3,000 bags of rice from the Federal Government. This distribution of grains is part of the government’s plan to mitigate the current hardships experienced by the masses.
Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the Government of Ogun State, confirmed the receipt of the bags of rice. He stated that the re-bagging and repackaging of the commodities are currently underway before they can be distributed to the masses in due course.
Talabi had told journalists that the distribution of the palliatives to Ogun residents would begin soon.
He affirmed that the state government had “received money from the FG for the procurement of grains, part of the money planned for the procurements to be distributed to residents by each state.”
The distribution of these palliatives is a significant step taken by the Federal Government to address the adverse effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
By providing food items and financial assistance to the states, the government aims to alleviate the burden on Nigerians and eradicate poverty.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its citizens during these challenging times.
As the distribution of palliatives continues, it is hoped that the impact of the fuel subsidy removal will be mitigated, providing relief to the Nigerian population.
During the launch in Oyo town, Governor Makinde announced that the state government had received 3,000 bags of rice from the Federal Government.
In addition to this, the government purchased an impressive 37,000 bags of rice, 5 kilograms of beans, garri, cassava flour, and groundnut oil.
Notably, the state government chose to support local farmers during these purchases, highlighting its commitment to enhancing the state’s economy.
Governor Makinde further revealed plans to distribute farming inputs to ten thousand farmers in order to boost agricultural production within the state.
This initiative not only aims to provide immediate relief but also seeks to empower local farmers and stimulate economic growth in the long run.
The distribution of the food items was carried out simultaneously across the 33 local governments of the state.
The neighbouring states of Osun and Ekiti have also confirmed receiving the first tranche of the palliatives, which they have already begun distributing to beneficiaries.
In Osun, the government announced that it had received N2 billion out of the N5 billion Federal Government’s palliatives allocated to the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi stated that the template and modalities of payment would soon be made public by the Palliative Committee during their next meeting.
The state government, through its palliative committee and the Ministry of Special Duties and Regional Integration, will commence the distribution of the subsidised rice palliative on Tuesday.
The committee has finalised the mode of sharing, and beneficiaries will begin receiving the rice palliatives according to a timetable prepared to ensure that everyone is included. Governor Seyi Makinde’s palliative intervention program demonstrates his commitment to addressing the hardships faced by the people of Oyo State.
By supporting local farmers and distributing food items across the state, the government aims to provide immediate relief while also fostering economic growth and stability in the long term.
The governments of Osun and Ekiti states have confirmed that they have received the first installment of the Federal Government’s palliatives and have begun distributing them to beneficiaries.
In Osun, the government has received N2 billion out of the N5 billion allocated to the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, stated that the payment details will be made public by the Palliative Committee in their next meeting.
The state government, through its palliative committee and the Ministry of Special Duties and Regional Integration, will start distributing the subsidised rice palliatives on Tuesday, following a finalized sharing plan.
In Ekiti, investigations have revealed that the distribution of the federal government’s palliatives has already commenced.
The state government has dismissed claims of political bias in the distribution process, assuring the public that the relief package will reach the intended beneficiaries.
In Kwara State, the distribution of rice palliatives to the most vulnerable individuals has also begun, with the committee aiming to distribute at least 250,000 10kg bags in the first phase.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has formed a 12-person committee to oversee the distribution of palliatives purchased with the N2 billion received from the Federal Government.
The committee’s main objective is to ensure fairness and equity in the distribution process.
The Governor emphasised that these palliatives are just a temporary measure, as more sustainable initiatives are being implemented gradually.
The inauguration ceremony took place on August 22, with the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr Yakubu Danladi Salihu, representing the Governor.
The committee will work towards providing relief to the people of Kwara State during these challenging times. In a similar development, the Katsina State Government has confirmed the receipt of N2 billion out of the N5 billion palliatives approved by the Federal Government.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Home Affairs, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, clarified that the federal government had released N5 billion to the state, dismissing earlier insinuations.
Both Kwara and Katsina states are taking steps to ensure that the funds allocated for palliatives are distributed effectively and reach those in need. These efforts are part of the government’s commitment to supporting its citizens during the ongoing pandemic.
