The Kwara State government, on Wednesday, flagged off the distribution of rice palliative to vulnerable persons in the state.
The palliative committee said it would share at least 250,000 10kg bags of rice in the first phase.
At the event, the state governor, AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, said the palliatives were only a show of empathy with the people as more sustainable initiatives were being implemented in phases.
Represented by the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, the governor said: “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.
“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 the 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 the health insurance, primary healthcare agencies, as well as the World Bank. Distribution will be done in accordance with 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 empathises 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.
“On that note, I have the honour 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 to the plight of the people, especially the most vulnerable among us.”
Earlier, the chairperson of the palliative committee and Commisssioner of Police in the state, Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi, said the flag-off marked the beginning of the exercise, which would see the palliatives being taken to all the 16 local government areas in the State after agreeing the modalities with all the stakeholders and interest groups.