In a bid to alleviate the hardships faced by its most vulnerable citizens, the Kwara State Government initiated the distribution of rice palliatives on Wednesday. The effort, spearheaded by a 12-person committee, aims to distribute a minimum of 250,000 bags, each weighing 10 kilograms, during the first phase.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who initiated the nonpartisan committee on August 22, highlighted the significance of these palliatives, which were purchased using N2 billion of Federal Government funds.
Speaking at the distribution launch held in Ilorin, the state capital, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed that these palliatives were a demonstration of empathy, with more comprehensive initiatives underway.
Representing the Governor at the event, Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu of the Kwara State House of Assembly conveyed, “This is only a fraction of what we have done to identify with the people at this very critical moment of our national life. Palliatives are a stop-gap measure to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy on the most vulnerable among us.”
He further emphasized the multifaceted efforts that the government was undertaking to support various sectors of the economy. Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted that investments were being made to enhance manufacturing, boost local food production through commercial agriculture, introduce CNG and electric vehicles, and create mass employment opportunities.
“Over the last few weeks, our government has rolled out different palliative measures to support the people in the formal and informal sectors. Also, we had earlier distributed the five trucks of rice we received from the Federal Government. We acknowledge the limits of this distribution in terms of reach.
“Today, we are flagging off the distribution of the first consignments of rice we purchased with the N2bn so far received from the Federal Government. We are distributing at least 250,000 10kg bags of rice in this phase.
“Beneficiaries will be identified on a nonpartisan basis by the committee of eminent Kwarans. This committee has continued to consult with different blocs of our communities as well as evidence-based registers of vulnerable people domiciled with key agencies of government such as health insurance, primary healthcare agencies, as well as the World Bank. Distribution will be done following the timetable and logistics of the committee.
“For me, the most important aspect of today’s event is not the quantity or the sheer reach of the grains to be distributed. The most significant thing is the spirit of empathy that is behind what we are doing. The government at all levels empathizes with the people across all social strata of our society. We are committed to taking every step possible to help the people cope with the inconveniences of this time.
“Huge investments are being made to boost the manufacturing sector, strengthen local production of food through commercial agriculture, local production of CNG and electric vehicles, and mass employment for young people in different aspects of the economy.”
“We are a resilient people. I do not doubt that we will emerge from this tough situation much better and stronger as a nation.
“On that note, I have the honor to flag off the distribution of these palliative. I urge our people to trust the committee to do justice to the assignment, bearing in mind that the whole essence of this modest effort is to show concern for the plight of the people, especially the most vulnerable among us.”
The event saw the attendance of both the palliative committee members and beneficiaries from the first batch, which included representatives from various groups such as Persons living with disabilities, WOWICAN, Marketmen and women, the Hausa community, Igbo Community, South-south community, Youth Council, NANS, Youth CAN, Orphanage, NUT, NUJ, TUC, FOMWAN, Non-indigene community, NURTW, NLC, and Artisans groups.
The committee’s chairperson, CP Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi, explained that the flag-off marked the initiation of the exercise, in which the palliatives would be distributed to all 16 local governments after aligning the modalities with stakeholders and interest groups.
She stated, “The committee’s mandate involves distributing around 250,000 bags of 10kg rice and offering advice on the effective deployment of N1bn worth of maize from the Maize Reserve (SMR) through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for Livestock Farmers across the state.”
The committee has begun its task by directing the Director of Personnel Management (DPM) of the local government area to collaborate with the Primary Healthcare Development Agency. Their goal is to compile a list of potential beneficiaries and vulnerable indigenes across every corner of the state.
CP Adelesi emphasized that the exercise aims to reach as many vulnerable individuals as possible. She promised to utilize multidimensional and all-encompassing leadership skills to ensure that the palliative items reach the targeted vulnerable population across the three senatorial districts of the state.
During their responses, representatives such as Alfred Oluwole for Persons with disabilities, Hajia Bilqees Oladimeji for FOMWAN, Mrs Kehinde Awe for WOWICAN, and Alhaji Jimoh Adeshina, President of Kwara State Artisans Congress, applauded AbdulRazaq for this initiative that seeks to alleviate the effects of the fuel subsidy.
Adeshina expressed, “Given the current market prices of rice, we are truly thankful to both the Federal and state governments for this initiative. Our capable and unique Governor’s dedication to improving citizen welfare is highly appreciated.”
He added, “We extend our gratitude to the state government for embracing this bold initiative, following in the footsteps of the federal government. This is truly remarkable.”
Several beneficiaries took their turn to commend the government for the provision of palliatives.
