In a bid to alleviate the economic strain faced by vulnerable communities in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde has launched a comprehensive food distribution initiative.
The program, which kick started on Monday, aims to provide essential support to those most in need across the state amid ongoing economic challenges exacerbated by global uncertainties.
The distribution, overseen by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, saw the allocation of 25,740 bags of maize (50kg) and 5,280 bags of Garri (25kg) from the National Strategic Reserve.
These food items are slated for equitable distribution across all 33 local government areas in the state, ensuring both urban and rural communities receive critical assistance.
Representing Governor Makinde at the ceremony, Deputy Governor Barrister Bayo Lawal emphasized the significance of such interventions, particularly in times of economic hardship.
He underscored the state government’s commitment to transparent and efficient distribution, facilitated through collaboration with agencies like NEMA.
“The initiative not only aims to provide immediate relief but also reinforces our commitment to enhancing social protection frameworks and sustainable development goals,” Governor Makinde stated.
He highlighted the importance of collective efforts in addressing security challenges affecting agrarian zones like Oke-ogun, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, and Oyo.
the Local government chairmen to ensure that all stakeholders in their various councils should ensure that the distribution template must be strictly adhered to while also stating that he expects follow up reports of their distribution process in line with even and equitable disbursement.
He stated that the distribution would be a test of transparency on the part of the new executive chairmen across the 33 LGAs. He emphasized that the gesture was imperative to engender the culture of accountability.
Earlier in his address shortly before officially 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, 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.
Commending the collaboration between the state and federal governments, Hon. Oyedokun Timothy, executive chairman of Ogbomoso South local government, assured strict adherence to distribution guidelines, emphasizing transparency and accountability in the process.
Stakeholders including traditional and religious leaders echoed concerns over rising food costs linked to security challenges in parts of Oyo State, calling for concerted efforts to curb violence and ensure sustained access to essential commodities.
The initiative received broad support from members of the state executive council, local government chairmen, legislators, and representatives from civil society, underlining a unified approach to tackling socio-economic challenges and fostering resilience across communities in Oyo State.
Report by Adeleke Maria for IbadanCity ANNOUNCER
