The Governor of Nasarawa State in Northcentral Nigeria, Abdullahi Sule, has commenced the distribution of food palliative to support the residents of the state.
During the distribution event held in Lafia, the capital of the state, Governor Sule explained that this initiative is intended to alleviate the challenges faced by Nigerians due to the elimination of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu.
Governor Sule, said the exercise, will be replicated in Akwanga and Keffi on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
It will be recalled that the federal government had earlier approved the sum of N5 billion each to states of the federation to reduce the hardship being faced by the citizens following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu.
“You all have been hearing that N5 billion was released by the federal government. Yes, the amount was indeed approved. But how it will be done is that N4 billion will be given as cash to each state while N1 billion worth of maize will also be given to each state.
“But out of the said amount, we have so far received N2 billion and we are waiting for the remaining palliatives from the federal government. So, we decided to start the distribution exercise to reduce the hardship on our people.
He said the palaces have been selected for the distribution because the palliative is meant for all citizens of the state, irrespective of political affiliation.
“The essence of the event has been defined clearly to everybody to understand that this is just a flag off. This is just the start. What we are trying to do here, by the grace of God, we will replicate, and it will happen in every unit of Nasarawa State.
“Tomorrow, we are going to have a similar flag-off at the palace of our father, the Chun Mada in Akwanga. And then on Thursday, we will have another flag-off that is going to take place in Keffi, at the palace of the Emir of Keffi,” he noted.
The Governor further explained that “this is an event for us to distribute food items to the people of Nasarawa State, irrespective of their political affiliations. I was telling the Commissioner jokingly that I want to see the women of APGA, NNPP, and PDP in front. I want to be the one to give them their own first. So that we can start from there and then go to other political parties.
“This is just to show you that we are very interested in carrying everybody along. And we are very interested in taking the responsibility bestowed on us by the Almighty Allah. The responsibility is to care for all the people of Nasarawa State, irrespective of political affiliation”.
Speaking, the State Commissioner, of the Ministry of Special Duties for Humanitarian Services and NGOs, Hon. Margaret Elayo, called on those charged with the responsibility of sharing palliative to discharge their responsibility with sincerity and the fear of God.
In their welcome addresses, both the Executive Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area, Hon. Aminu Muazu Maifata, and the Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd), appreciated the Governor for bringing succour to the people.
“We welcome all of you that are here and to say thank you on behalf of our people. What we have seen elsewhere, please help us thank Mr President for thinking right. Because the times now are not quite easy for our people.
“Since after some of these good policies of the government, there is some effect which we have already assured our people that this is temporary. After some time it will ease off and the good time will be back once again. We want to thank His Excellency for adding to what the Federal Government sent. His Excellency has added his own as usual and as always,” the Emir of Lafia said.
Voice of Nigeria reports that the food items distributed comprising of rice, vegetable oil, Maggi, and noodles, provided by both the federal and state governments.
A beneficiary, Baba Kasuwa, appreciates President Bola Tinubu, and Governor Abdullahi Sule for this gesture and prayed that it should be sustained.
