The Oyo state government on Monday flagged off distribution of assorted commodities from the National Strategic Reserve to vulnerable persons in Oyo state aimed at providing crucial support to the vulnerable members of the society.
The assorted food items which were drawn from the National Strategic Reserve to vulnerable citizens in Oyo state include 25,740 bags of maize (50kg) and 5,280 bag of Garri (25kg).
During the symbolic presentation at the Agodi Secretariat, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, said that the commodities would be distributed to vulnerable persons across the 33 local governments.
The Governor stated that the state government had spent a significant amount of money on the arrival of the foodstuffs, stressing that they had arrived with the help of SEMA from the National Reserves.
He emphasized the significance of such interventions in providing immediate relief and support to vulnerable groups, particularly in the face of ongoing economic challenges and global uncertainties.
According to Barr. Lawal, Governor Makinde conducted clearance operations in Oke-ogun on forest reserves and red flag points about six months ago to reduce insecurity to the barest minimum.
Calling on the good people of Oyo state particularly the royal fathers to collaborate with Oyo state government in the fight against banditry, illegal mining activities, banditry, among others in Orire, Irepo, Ibarapa, Saki East, and Saki west, the Deputy Governor noted that the Makinde administration will continue to prioritize the security of lives and properties.
Barr. Lawal, who doubles as the Chairman of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in the state, highlighted some of the efforts of the state government through deliberate intervention such as SAfER to address the economic hardship and poverty in the state, also called on the local government chairmen to involve royal fathers, religious leaders, principal of schools, security agencies, women association, people with disabilities, youths among others in the distribution of the commodities.
He said: “This symbolic presentation is so important. The chairmen must involve everyone in the distribution template. Garri and maize have been sent for distribution.
“Oyo state government had earlier rolled out SafER to ameliorate the real challenges of poverty even before this intervention of federal government. And the government will continue to do so.
“In Fashola, we have large farm settlement to address food challenges and supply. Oyo state government under the leadership of His Excellency, Seyi Makinde is really addressing issue of food supply for its citizenry and it will blossom for the admiration of everyone.
“Again, we must inform the local governments chairmen that Oyo state government is watching you keenly for test of transparency and accountability.
“On this note, it is my pleasure to handover these items to our local government chairmen and chairpersons.” The distribution would be done through SEMA in collaboration with NEMA.”
Earlier in his remarks, the commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, who commended the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCPR for recognizing food security as a fundamental human right and a pillar of societal stability through the initiative, equally extended his profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Fnse, who has in immeasurable ways impacted positively in the lives of the entire citizens of the State through the numerous people oriented policies.
The commissioner commended the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, who through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) worked tirelessly to make the event a reality.
He said Nigeria has witnessed unprecedented challenges occasioned by the global economic recession which has greatly affected the economic well-being of the citizens.
According to him, this impacted negatively on all States in the federation. Hence, the resolve of all tiers of government to design social programmes aimed at ameliorating the hardship through distribution of food items amongst other benefits.
He said: “The profundity of social challenges witnessed in Oyo State is a testimony to the sterling qualities of good leadership and displayed by His Excellency, Seyi Makinde,who has remained a man to beat in the advancement of socio-economic and good governance
“It is no gainsaying that the impact of the grains distribution will further cushion the effect of the economic recession in the Country. As a responsive Government that has resolved to channel all available resources towards improving the quality of life of its citizens, let me assure you that the distribution process has been. carefully designed to ensure that these commodities are given to vulnerable citizens who are in need through the constitution of committees at all the Local Government Areas in the State.
“I want to admonish us to put all hands on deck to move our dear state to greater heights. The act of governance is a collective responsibility. Governance fulfils its purpose when the deliverables come on time, making our lives meaningful and worth living.
Having said the foregoing, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to this flag-off ceremony of distribution of grains for the enhancement of the socio-economic benefits of people in the State.”
On his part before the official handing over the food items to the state government, the Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Zubaida Umar represented by the agency’s South West Zonal Coordinator, Adewale Stephen, said the gesture was part of the commitments of President Bola Tinubu towards the welfare and well-being of Nigerians especially to provide necessary support during the economic hardship.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr. President approved the release of 42,000MT of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve under the custody of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMOA&FS).
“The assorted food commodities include maize, millet, sorghum, and garri. Distinguished stakeholders, after sharing the commodities and successfully transporting the quantities allocated to Oyo State, today we are here to hand- over the food items to the State Government for distribution to the identified deserving beneficiaries in the communities through the constituted Committees in each LGA.
“Please note that membership of the Committee in each LGA is made up of the Chairman of the LGA, State Emergency Management Agency, a Traditional Ruler, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Faith-Based Organizations (JNI & CAN), Nigerian Union of Local Government, Employees, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Women Associations, Persons With Disability Groups, Youth Associations, Principals of Boarding Schools, Civil Society Organizations and the Media.
“It is worthy of note that based on the allocation table, Oyo State has been allocated: 1,287MT of Maize (25,740 bags of 50kg), 132MT of Garri (5,280 bags of 25kg). The above food items will be shared equallly to all the LGAS in the State.” Umar said.
The Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso South, Hon. Oyedokun Timothy, who spoke on behalf of other Council Chairmen commended the collaboration between the state and federal government which resulted in the provision of the economic support food items.
He assured the state government that the commodities would be distributed to the vulnerable people in Oyo state.
Other key stakeholders including traditional and religious leaders in their separate remarks lamented the impact of security challenge on food security resulting into the current hike in cost of essential commodities and foodstuffs across the country while calling for immediate end to the killings and banditry that have plagued parts of Oyo state unabated.
The event was attended by former Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Hazesm Gbolarunmi; Speaker of Oyo state, ably represented by Hon. Rilwan Gbadamosi; Chief judge of Oyo state, ably repremsted by Alhajia Sofiat Oyediran; Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni; Commissioners; Royal fathers and other top government functionaries.
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