Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has flagged off the distribution of 4,000 bags of rice and fertilisers as palliatives across the 21 local government areas of Kogi State.
The distributions which held in Lokoja over the weekend was in furtherance to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu on food security, and part of the activities to commemorate the one year in office of the minister.
Speaking at the event, Audu said the distribution of the items to vulnerable indigenes and eligible farmers is to ensure that all indigenes of the state benefit from the efforts of the Federal Government in ameliorating the living conditions of the people.
The minister said that in fostering peace, and unity among indigenes of the state under Governor Usman Ododo, the palliatives will be distributed across board.
He added that the beneficiaries will include opposition parties, all ethnic and religious groups, widows, traditional leaders and market women, amongst other groups across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“Today, I am here to distribute almost 4,000 bags of rice and fertilisers across the 21 local government areas of Kogi State to ensure that all stakeholders in Kogi benefit from the palliatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President to ensure food security.
“And I want to thank all of you, the youths, for abstaining from the nationwide protests in Kogi State. It was a wonderful outcome, and I come here to thank all of you as we distribute these palliatives since you listened to your leaders, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and myself the Minister, as we advised that you engage in dialogue rather than joining the protests. We would not let you down for giving us the benefit of the doubt.
“In the last one year, during my tenure as Honourable Minister, I have provided several succour to the people of Kogi State, including 50,000 Naira, in nano-business grants to 5,000 beneficiaries in Kogi State under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, meaning that 250 million naira was distributed to Kogites.
“We distributed several palliatives earlier this year, and in addition to that, we are also doing more today.” Prince Audu stated.
He assured the people of the state that as their highest representative at the federal executive council, he will continue to drive home all the initiatives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu towards developing the state and improving the welfare and livelihood of the people.
The minister thanked the people of the state for their support through his one year in office, urging them to collaborate with him, the governor, and other key leaders to bring the desired development to the state.
The Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, thanked the Minister for the incentives, noting that it will go a long way in bringing relief to the people and prayed for continued protecting and wisdom for him to succeed.