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Kwara State Government has confirmed receipt of N2bn out of the N4bn relief funds that the Federal Government released for purchase of rice to be distributed en masse to vulnerable members of the public in the State.
The State also said it awaits a balance of N2bn of the funds as well as N1bn worth of 40,000 bags of maize which the Central Bank of Nigeria is selling to each State of the Federation from the National Strategic Reserve.
Briefing newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye explained that 48% of the N4bn is a non-interest loan that will be paid back over a period of 20 months at N120,000,000.00 monthly begining from November this year.
Mr Ajakaiye noted that the State Government has ordered immediate purchase of rice in the value of the amount, while for transparency and fairness, distribution of the palliatives would be overseen exclusively by a committee headed by the Kwara State Police Commissioner, Ebun Adelesi, who will be supported by the Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahya; State Chairman of Jama’átu Nasrul Islam and; the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter.
Others are Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe and Mrs Grace Funke Bolaji (both representing Civil Society Organisations); State Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr Saudat Abdulbaqi; Mr. Steven Awoyale, youth representative, a representative of the Department of State Service; a female representative each from the ‘disability’ community and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), and a Director in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdulrahman Babatunde.
The Chief Press Secretary also confirmed the receipt of the remaining three trucks of bags of rice and stated that distribution has commenced through various channels of reaching out to the public, including lawmakers who represent the 24 State constituencies and other stakeholders in the State.
He urged everyone involved to ensure that the palliatives be shared in the spirit of fairness to all, particularly to the most vulnerable persons.
The Chief Press Secretary also appealed to members of the public to remain patient and calm as multi-layered steps are being taken in phases, including interventions to support massive food production, local production of gas-powered vehicles, support for small and medium scale enterprises, manufacturing and other businesses, to boost the economy and ease the difficulties arising from the removal of fuel subsidy.
Mr Ajakaiye, who reassured Kwarans of the Government’s commitment to their welfare, expressed Governor Abdulrasaq’s appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for the several initiatives of the Federal Government to bring ease to the people.
By Abdullahi Ahmed
