Kwara government distributes new batch of 18,000 50kg Bags of palliative maize and sorghum to vulnerable citizens
The Kwara State Government has commenced the distribution of another 17,578 50kg bags of maize, sorghum, and millet palliatives received from the Federal Government to further support vulnerable citizens amid the inconveniences from fuel subsidy removal.
According to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, the food items are already being distributed among the less privileged across the 16 local governments of the state. Olohungbebe stated that the palliative distribution is guided by a template received from the Federal Government, with his office supervising to ensure the right recipients benefit.
“The instructions given by the Federal Government specify that there must be a committee in each local government area to oversee the distribution. The committee includes the DPMs (Directors of Personal Management) in the absence of the local government chairmen; traditional rulers; representatives of the DSS; ICPC; civil society organizations; National Youth Council of Nigeria; women’s groups; development officers; and others. These individuals are responsible for the distribution in their respective local government areas,” he told reporters on Tuesday, adding that the distribution is directly managed by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
“So, our role is to ensure that the items reach the local government areas. Once there, the local committees will identify the vulnerable individuals in their communities.”
SEMA Secretary Mallam Saadu Mashood Magaji confirmed that the office recently took delivery of the items and began distribution on the previous Saturday based on the template provided from Abuja.
“These palliatives are intended for vulnerable people across the state as part of a federal government intervention in collaboration with NEMA and the Office of the National Security Adviser. We received them about two months ago through the Federal Government,” he said.
“We have a total of 17,578 50kg bags, comprising 2,216 bags of millet, 7,042 bags of maize, and 8,320 bags of sorghum. They are being distributed across the sixteen local governments.”
“We began distribution to six LGs on 1st June 2024, including Baruten, Kaiama, Asa, Ilorin East, Ifelodun, and Oke-Ero. On 2nd June, we distributed to Patigi, Edu, Oyun, Offa, Ilorin South, and Moro. The final phase includes Irepodun, Ilorin West, Isin, and Ekiti local governments.”
Mashood described the exercise as smooth and free from conflict, commending the state government and other key stakeholders for their support in identifying target beneficiaries throughout the state.
Director of Personnel Management (DPM) for Ekiti LG, Ayantola Kunle Mukaila, stated that representatives from each political ward in Ekiti collected the palliatives for their people and ensured proper delivery, describing the distribution as transparent and without issues.
Another DPM from Irepodun Local Government, Comrade Saaduku Abdullahi, praised the handling of the program, the state government, and other key stakeholders for their assistance in identifying the target beneficiaries.
“I thank the Federal and State governments, especially the Governor, His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the generous donation of these palliatives. The handling of this exercise has been perfect. I commend the team in charge, the traditional rulers, and the people of Irepodun for their patience and adherence to the distribution guidelines,” he said.
