Subsidy Removal: Gombe State Begins Distribution Of Palliatives

The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya has flagged off the distribution of food items and agriculture inputs as palliatives to cushion the effects of the economic hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

This phase targets 30,000 beneficiaries with each collecting one 5-kilogram bag of rice, one carton of pasta, two bags of fertilizer, and two litres of pesticides.

During the distribution ceremony at the Palace of Emir of Yamaltu in the Dadinkowa area of the state, Governor Yahaya said; “the launching of the distribution of palliatives was a comprehensive effort aimed at helping over 450,000 beneficiaries across all 11 LGAs in the state.”

He said that the present palliative distribution was unique because it included agricultural materials and resonated deeply with the reality that a significant proportion of Gombe’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods.

“The provision of agriculture support not only guarantees bountiful harvests but also fortifies food security, especially in the imminent dry season,” Governor Yahaya said.

He stated that the palliatives were a step towards ensuring long-term economic stability and development in recognition of the effect of the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals and households in Gombe State due to the ongoing economic downturn, particularly from fuel subsidy removal.

The Governor called on the distribution officials and volunteers to carry out their roles with integrity and responsibility to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Governor Yahaya assured the people that his administration was working on more social interventions to stimulate growth and counter the economic challenges faced by the people.

The chairman of the State Steering Committee on the distribution of palliatives, Mr. Abdullahi Abdullahi gave the Governor the assurances that the committee would discharge its assignment with the fear of God and to the benefit of humanity.

Mr. Abdullahi, who is also the Executive Secretary of Gombe State Emergency Management Agency, said; “sub-committees had been formed at the local government and ward levels to ensure effective delivery of the items to the most vulnerable in the state.”

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi explained that the flag-off of the distribution of palliatives was one out of the numerous interventions undertaken by the administration of Governor Yahaya.

Professor Njodi, therefore, appealed to the beneficiaries to make good use of the items given to them, to boost their crop production and economic activities.

Mercy Chukwudiebere