In a bid to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal, the governments of Kwara and Imo States have commenced the distribution of palliatives. In the North-Central State, the first phase involved the distribution of at least 250,000 10kg bags of rice.
During the flag-off event in Ilorin, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq emphasized that these palliatives are a display of empathy for the people while more sustainable initiatives are being implemented gradually. He was represented by the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi Salihu.
Chairperson of the Kwara State Palliative Committee, Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi, stated that the flag-off marked the beginning of the distribution, which will reach all sixteen local government areas after modalities are agreed upon with stakeholders and interest groups.
Although some beneficiaries at the event appreciated the efforts, they called on the Federal Government to do more to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
In a separate event in Oyo State, Governor Makinde kicked off the distribution of food relief packages. These packages, aimed at the poorest of the poor, each contain a 10kg bag of rice, a 5kg bag of beans, a 5kg bag of yam flour, and a 1kg bottle of vegetable oil. Governor Makinde noted that all segments of society have been affected by the subsidy removal, and his government’s SAfER scheme encompasses various measures to address these challenges.
The state government purchased an additional 37,000 bags of rice to supplement the 3,000 bags from the Federal Government, totaling 40,000 bags of rice. Other components of the SAfER scheme include support for farmers, low-interest loans for artisans and small businesses, youth entrepreneurship initiatives, transportation subsidies, and free healthcare for pensioners and households under the state’s health insurance scheme.
Throughout the state, various officials, including the deputy governor, secretary to the state government, and commissioners, also initiated food relief package distributions in different zones and cities. Governor Makinde’s comprehensive approach aims to provide relief and support to those affected by the subsidy removal across various sectors of society.
