Palliatives: The Ondo government ensures that distribution would not be a political matter.

The Ondo state administration said that it has received N2 billion of the N5 billion allocated to the state to offset the impact of the federal government’s suspension of fuel subsidies.

It further stated that food distribution will not be a party thing.

Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, the state Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Palliative Strategy and Implementation Committee, stated in Akure that the state had received 5700 bags of rice from the federal government but would be distributing approximately 12000 bags of rice.

According to Akinterinwa, a special Committee comprised of people from all walks of life was formed to prevent the distribution from becoming a political party issue.

The commissioner, who led other committee members on an inspection of the warehouses containing the palliatives, stated that adequate protection had been placed around the warehouses.

He said that the warehouses had not been robbed and that the products will be delivered to underprivileged members of society soon.

“We are here to inspect foodstuff that we intend to give to the vulnerable masses,” he says. We visited warehouses to confirm that the food was in good shape. We will make them available very shortly.

“The federal government donated 5700 bags of rice to us.” More than that has been purchased by the state. We will begin sharing as soon as possible.

“At the local government level, we formed a committee.” We have good representation that spans the social range.

“We received N2 billion and hoped that they would give us the balance.” They sent maize to us, but we only received a small bit, and we hoped to receive the rest.

“The distribution will not be a celebration. That is why we established the committee. We have a CAN representation as well as a Muslim representative.

“We will distribute approximately 12000 bags of rice.” Aside from rice, we are also giving out packaged food products. Four different local cuisine products are included in the boxed food.

“The inputs for farmers are ready,” Akinterinwa added. We have motorised tillers, insecticides, and tricycles to assist in transporting farm harvests to cities. If the harvests are good, we hope it will address the food issue and lower costs. We have assisted farmers in obtaining specific items.