*Government Begins Distribution of Palliatives to Indigenes*
In fulfilment of his promise to cushion the effects of the hardship being experienced by the people of Ondo State due to the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has begun the distribution of palliative measures to vulnerable households in the state.
Speaking at the distribution yesterday, Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Yeye Oba Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, said the palliatives are only a show of empathy with the people as more sustainable initiatives are being implemented in phases. She gave out the palliatives to the teeming recipients in Isua, headquarters of Akoko South East Local Government Area, and said the distribution will be ongoing as the government will reach out to religious centres, Non-Govermenral Organization (NGO), Market women, Artisans and others distribution channels across the state. She disclosed that 1,200 bags of rice will be distributed to 6,000 households in the council area.
The commissioner explained that the measures had become necessary to improve the situation among the vulnerable residents of the state. Adding that the Government is doing this to alleviate the pains and sufferings of the people.
She said, there will be five people to a bag of rice for the people of Akoko South East comprising Ifira, Epinmi, Isua, Sosan, Ipesi among others who will benefit from the palliatives.
Ademola-Olateju further explained that the distribution of palliatives were part of the deliverables taken from the Federal Government and that the state government also purchased to argument it.
Mr Suleiman Muritala, Ondo State House of Assembly member representing Akoko South East, expressed gratitude for the palliatives. He appreciated the Federal Government in conjunction with Ondo state government for providing these palliatives.
Muritala explained that the exercise targets as many vulnerable persons as possible, promising to distribute accordingly and make sure that the palliative items will get to the targeted vulnerable across the communities in Akoko South East.
In their separate responses, Pastor Gideon Onibato, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) Akoko South East Local Government Area; Chief Iman of Akoko South East Local Government Area, Alhaji Saliu Jamiu, Iyaloja of Isua Community applauded Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for this initiative aimed at cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy.
“We all know the cost of a bag of rice in the market today. So, we thank the Federal and the state government for this initiative. We really appreciate our able and unique governor for his passion in improving the welfare of the citizenry,” Onibato said.
Others took turns to commend the government for this initiative.
Timilehin Ogunsulire
Ministry of Information and Orientation
September 12, 2023.