By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has flag off the distribution of nearly 4,000 bags of rice and fertilizers to residents across Kogi State as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate hardship.
The initiative, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA), aims to enhance food security and support vulnerable communities.
At the flag-off ceremony held in Lokoja over the weekend, the Minister announced that 2,400 bags of rice and 1,200 bags of fertilizers would be distributed as palliatives. This distribution is also part of the activities marking his first year in office as the Minister of Steel Development.
Prince Audu emphasized that the palliatives would be distributed across all 21 local government areas, ensuring that every segment of society benefits. He stressed that the distribution would be inclusive, reaching opposition party members, different ethnic and religious groups, widows, traditional leaders, and market women among others.
“The goal is to make sure that all Kogi indigenes, regardless of their background or affiliation, benefit from the Federal Government’s efforts to improve living conditions,” the Minister stated. He added that these efforts would further foster peace and unity under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The Minister also lauded the youth of Kogi for their restraint during the recent #Endbadgovernance protests, noting that their choice to avoid unrest highlighted Kogi as a state committed to peace and dialogue. “By eschewing violence and supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the youth have demonstrated a commendable commitment to stability,” he said.
Prince Audu also outlined some of his achievements over the past year, including the provision of N50,000 nano-business grants to 5,000 beneficiaries in Kogi State. He revealed plans to increase the total funding from N250 million to N375 million, thereby expanding the number of beneficiaries to 7,500, further advancing the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his goodwill message, the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s efforts, noting that the palliatives would provide much-needed relief to the people.
The Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kogi State Chapter, Comr. Stephen Bala Jibrin, also praised the initiative, particularly the timely distribution of fertilizers during the critical cropping season.
Miss Ruth Dada, a trader from Kogi, commended the Minister for his empathy and timely intervention, saying, “He understands the challenges we face and has shown his commitment to helping us. We are grateful to him and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this support.”