By Saeed Tijjani
In continuation of the distribution exercise by the Kwara State Palliative Distribution Committee, over 20,000 (10kg) bags of rice were distributed to more Local Governments.
The palliative distribution on Saturday, which started with Offa Local Government Area, marked the fourth day of the exercise.
The exercise also focused on Oyun and Ekiti Local Government Areas, with each Local Government assigned no fewer than 8,000 bags of 10kg rice for onward distribution to targeted individuals across the various wards in the Local Government Areas.
Speaking with 9japarrot Media correspondent at the uploading site of the palliatives, Mr. Stephen Ayowale explained that the exercise has been going smoothly since inception, noting that the State Governor, His Excellency, Mal. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has empowered the committee to operate well without any interference or interest from any quarters.
Mr. Stephen also noted that the Palliative Distribution Committee, under the Co-Chairmanship of Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya (OON), has been recording tremendous improvements and success with little or no challenges because members of the committee are more committed to achieving the purpose of the exercise as spelled out by the Governor during the inauguration of the committee, which is aimed at cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal on the most vulnerable individuals.
On his part, Mr. Lawal Olohungbebe commended the efforts of the Monitoring Team and Men of Kwara State Police for their unwavering efforts towards the safety and security of the palliative monitoring team who went far down to the wards across the Local Government Areas to ensure proper distribution of the palliatives.
“We appreciate the Police for their daily support since the commencement of this exercise, and we are not taking this for granted,” Mr. Olohungbebe added.
“The monitoring team is also doing a wonderful job on the field, I must be sincere. We can only charge them to be more professional and transparent to ensure that the aims and objectives of the exercise are not defeated,” he added.
Mr. Olohungbebe reiterated that the exercise is not a political one while speaking with representatives of each Local Government who were on the ground to receive the palliatives. He charged them to be just while distributing the palliatives to meet the standards as spelled out by the Governor.
Offa Local Government is to receive 8,800 bags of 10kg rice, the same as Oyun Local Government, while Ekiti receives 4,400 bags to mark the fourth day of the exercise today.
These bags of rice are meant to be shared among the most vulnerable individuals in each ward of the Local Government Areas.
Mr. Olohungbebe, who was also in the company of one of the members of the Palliative Distribution Committee, Dr. Saudat AbdulBaqi, while assessing the progress of the exercise, expresses optimism that the committee will complete the exercise in due course with the success story that has been recorded so far.
