Palliative: FCT distributes 12,000 bags of rice, maize in six area councils.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) began distributing 12,000 sacks of rice and maize to disadvantaged households across the FCT’s six area councils on Monday.
Mr. Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, stated at the distribution event in Kwali Area Council that each council will receive 2,000 bags of grains and corn.
Mr. Bitrus Garki, Mandate Secretary, Area Council Secretariat, FCTA, represented Wike, who indicated that the exercise was part of the ongoing provision of palliatives to disadvantaged households.
“You may recall that the FCT Administration held an event about two weeks ago where some of the food products were donated to various groups.”
“Area councils, representatives from 17 chiefdoms, religious organisations, civil servants, and disadvantaged groups are all included.”
“We received really promising feedback from that exercise, which is why we are extending distribution today.”
“Today, we have gathered here to continue this great effort, aligning it with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope programme, which strives to instill optimism for a better future for all Nigerians.”
“Under this phase of distribution, we are bringing the items closer to the people, ensuring direct outreach to disadvantaged groups, and this is happening concurrently in all six Area Councils of the FCT,” he stated.
Wike added that each area council will get 2,000 sacks of rice and corn, which would be handed to disadvantaged households in the councils in order to help them maintain their families.
He asked the recipients to use the products to enhance their families.
He cautioned the recipients not to sell the food items, emphasising that the palliatives were designed to offer nutrition during these trying times.
According to him, the programme is an important aspect of the Federal Government’s strategy for reducing the consequences of the elimination of fuel subsidies, which has resulted in higher food market prices.
“We realise the difficulties that our fellow citizens endure, and it is our job to address these difficulties and provide the necessary support during these trying times.”
Earlier, Mr. Danladi Chia, Chairman of Kwali Area Council, praised Tinubu and Wike for their assistance and vowed to ensure that the palliative reaches the intended recipients.
Wike, who was represented by Mr. Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, said in a similar exercise in Abaji Area Council that the gesture would benefit vulnerable people in communities.
Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi, Chairman of the Council, promised Wike and the FCT Minister for State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, that the food supplies would be given to the targeted population across Abaji’s ten electoral wards.
In response to the generosity, Mr. Adamu Yunusa, the council’s leader for people with disabilities, praised the assistance, calling it “lifesaving.”
He argues that the palliative will considerably alleviate the suffering of residents, particularly those with impairments.
Mr. Lawal Geidam, Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, who represented the minister in Kuje, stated that the Tinubu-led administration would continue to conduct life-changing interventions to alleviate people’s suffering.
Mr. Abdullahi Sabo, the chairman of the council, pledged that the food supplies will reach every disadvantaged individual in the area.