VP Shettima Flags Off Palliatives Distribution In Northeast States

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has Flagged off the distribution of food and non-food items North East Development Commission, NEDC, for its member states in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The VP during the occasion attested that the leadership of the Commission deserves recommendations.

He recalled that 10 years ago most of the environs around the state capital were mostly under the sovereignty of the insurgency likewise some parts of Adamawa and Yobe States.

“Based on the post insurgency recovery and peace building assessment reports on the Northeast in a joined collaboration effort by the World Bank, European Union (EU) and the Presidency, the inflicted destruction caused by Boko Haram is about 9.6 billion dollars, Borno state alone had damage worth of 6.8 billion dollars, all the six North-East States had their own share of destruction,” he said.

VP Shettima said; ” I want to commend the Governors of the North-East States for coming together under unified force despite different political affiliation, that shows the sense of purpose the NEDC has been in this news of recent, when the last management of the NEDC rounded up their duties leaving 237 billion Naira behind which is unprecedented in contemporary governance in Nigeria.”

The Director and CEO of the North-East Development Commission, Mohammed Alkali welcomed the Vice-President and Governors of member states to the ceremony.

Mr. Alkali said food and non-food Items would be distributed by the Commission to the citizens in all the 112 LGAs within the North-East Region through the Executive Governors of member states, and National and State Assembly Legislators.

He said; “This is a direct response by the Commission to alleviate the hunger and food insecurity being faced by citizens, both of which are apolitical.

“The present economic situation has led to soaring prices of food items and heightened food insecurity nationwide.”

The Nigerian President Bola Tinubu had in a national broadcast announced some short- and medium-term measures to be taken by the Government to ease the economic hardship in the country.

To key into the President’s initiative to improve food supply, the Commission is now poised to provide assorted food and non-food Items to bring some succour to the population of the Region.

The Commission said; “Today, we will donate the following food and other materials which cost about N15 Billion, through His Excellency, Mr. Vice President, to all the Executive Governors of the 6 member States, the 18 Senatorial Districts, 48 Federal Constituencies, as well as the 6 State Houses of Assembly Constituencies for distribution to deserving beneficiaries across all the States in the Zone:

“The items to be distributed are; Bags of Rice (25kg) 250,000; Spaghetti/Macaroni (Cartons) 81,000, Vegetable Oil (Gallons) 40,000; Blankets (Pieces) 80,000; Mats (Pieces) 80,000; Shadda for Men (Pieces) 40,000; Wrappers for Women (Pieces) 40,000; Children Wears (Sets) 80,000.

“Out of the 250,000 bags of rice available (worth about N10 Billion), 65,000 bags will be shared to the 6 State Governments for State-wide distribution, 36,000 bags to the 18 Senatorial Districts, 72,000 bags to the 48 Federal Constituencies and 30,000 bags to State Assembly Constituencies in the North-East Region. This distribution pattern applies to the other Food and Non-Food Items and is designed to encourage wider reach to the vulnerable population and promote inclusiveness. Coincidentally, most State Governments have set up their own committees for the distribution of palliatives. The Federal and State Assembly Legislators may use these existing platforms to reach their constituencies.”

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum on his part called on the Commission to be more focused and determined in discharging its responsibilities.

He said: ” I enjoined my colleagues to take proactive measures towards curtailing the activities of illegal miners while at the same time maximise those minerals resources for the generality of the people.”

Governor Zulum added that the North East Governors would surely deliberate on matters affecting the people of the region, saying the North East Governors Forum will seek to further partner with the Ministry of Solid Minerals to explore our mineral.

Mercy Chukwudiebere