Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has flagged off distribution of 4,000 bags of rice and fertilisers as palliatives to Kogi citizens.
The Minister, who inaugurated the distribution on Saturday in Lokoja, said the palliative was in furtherance to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on food security.
He added that the palliative distribution to vulnerable citizens and eligible farmers, was also symbolic as it was also part of the activities to commemorate his one year in office as the Minister of Steel Development.
He said that 2,600 (25kg) bags of rice and 1,400 bags of fertilisers would be distributed to farmers and indigent citizens across the 21 local government areas of the state.
The minister also assured Kogi indigenes of more Federal Government-driven initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Audu stressed that the gesture was the Federal Government’s effort aimed at ameliorating the living conditions of the people in the face of the ongoing transformative agenda of President Tinubu.
“In fostering peace, and unity among indigene of the state, under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, the palliatives will be distributed across board,
“The beneficiaries will also include those from the opposition parties, all ethnic and religious groups, widows, traditional leaders, market women, amongst other groups across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“Today, I am here to distribute almost 4,000 bags of rice and fertilisers across the 21 local government areas of Kogi.
“This is to ensure that all stakeholders in Kogi benefit from the palliatives under the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President to ensure food security.
“And I want to thank all of you, the youths, for abstaining from the nationwide protests in Kogi State.
“It was a wonderful outcome, and I came here to thank all of you as we distribute these palliatives since you listened to us as your leaders, when we advised that you engage in dialogue rather than joining the protests.
“We would not let you down for giving us the benefit of the doubt.
“In the last one year, during my tenure as Honourable Minister, I have provided several succour to the people of Kogi State, including N50,000, in nano-business grants to 5,000 beneficiaries in Kogi State.
“It means that N250 million was distributed to kogites under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We distributed several palliatives earlier this year, and in addition to that, we are also doing more today,” Prince Audu said.
Audu pledged the commitment of President Tinubu geared towards developing the state and the country, and improving the welfare and livelihood of the people.
The minister urged the people to continue to collaborate with him, the governor, and other key leaders to bring the desired developments to the state.
The minister noted that arrangements were on top gear to fastrack the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company inline with the directive of the President.
The Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo, thanked the Minister for the incentives, noting that it would go a long way in bringing succour to the people,
The royal father prayed that Almighty Allah continued to protect the Minister and give him the wisdom to succeed.
On his part, Mr Stephen Jibrin, the Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kogi chapter, described the gesture as very timely.
He expressed the appreciation of farmers in the state, saying they were really in need of fertilisers, especially in the planting season.
“As farmers, we express our heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for recognising Kogi State. We thank the Minister because our association has been fully carried along as beneficiaries.
“The leadership of the association will ensure that the fertilisers get to farmers even at the grassroots,” Jibrin said.
Miss Ruth Dada, a trader from Lokoja, and Halimat Abdullahi from Okene, who are beneficiaries, also thanked the minister for remembering his own people and reaching out to them.
“He knows there is hunger, and he has the heart of feelings for the masses by doing this, and we pray God will continue to promote him more and more.
“We also appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for remembering all the people,” Dada said.
The Minister was honoured with “Outstanding Personality” from the Progressive Empowerment Project for Nigerian Women.
The award was in recognition of his commitment towards reviving the steel industry as well as his dedication to uplifting the suffering of his people in the past year.
