The Kogi State Government has commenced the distribution of food palliatives to the people of the state in continuation of the its commitment to cushioning the impact of economic downturn on the people.
Governor Usman Ododo of the State who was represented by the State Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu indicated that the distribution of the food palliatives from the strategic grain reserve of the federal government underscores the shared understanding by all tiers of government as it concerns the challenges faced by Nigerians due to the prevailing economic hardship.
Special adviser on media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement quoted Governor Ododo to have indicated that his administration considers it a duty and privilege to be leading collective efforts to provide relief to those who are most in need of succour in all the corners of the state.
The Governor stated that the distribution of the palliatives is in line with the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to respond in a most decisive fashion to pressing needs for interventions.
These he said is to cushion the effect of difficulties faced by Nigerians, stressing that the government and people of the State will continue to support programmes and policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda of thPresident.
Governor Ododo further said that the provision of grains to cushion the effects of economic hardship in the state is a testament to the unwavering commitment of his administration to the welfare of every citizen, especially in times of adversity.
The Governor further expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinbubu for what he described as an unprecedented display of compassion and solidarity in approving the distribution of grains from the strategic reserve to feed the people of Nigeria.
Governor Ododo maintained that this round of food palliatives made up of maize, millet, sorghum and garri are meant for vulnerable members of all communities in the 21 local government areas of the state.
The Governor warned against diversion of the grains, stressing that a committee has been mandated to follow the grains to all the communities and ensure that only those who are most in need receive the grains irrespective of their religion, ethnic or political affiliations.
The Governor commended the people of the state for their invaluable contribution to the prevailing peace and security as he urged them to continue to support the government as efforts are being intensified to ease the difficulties occasioned by rising cost of living in the state.
The Governor commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the state Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the state Social Investment Programme Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency, members of the state committee on the distribution of palliatives and security agencies for their dedication and tireless efforts in ensuring the safety of the items and a hitch-free distribution to communities in the state.