Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, has begun the distribution of food items and agricultural materials as palliatives in order to reduce the effects of the economic hardship that came as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy.
Governor Yahaya, during the distribution ceremony, which was held at the Palace of the Emir of Yamaltu in the Dadinkowa area of the state, said that the launching of the distribution of palliatives was a comprehensive effort aimed at helping over 450,000 beneficiaries across all 11 the Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the state.
According to him, this phase of the palliative distribution targets 30,000 beneficiaries and each of them is to receive a 5-kilogram bag of rice, a carton of pasta, two bags of fertilizer, and two litres of pesticides.
He stated that the present palliative distribution was unique because it included agricultural materials and resonated deeply with the reality that a significant proportion of Gombe State’s population rrelieson agriculture for their livelihood.
In his own words, “the provision of agricultural support not only guarantees bountiful harvests but also fortifies food security, especially in the imminent dry season.”
The Governor expressed that the palliatives were a step towards ensuring long-term economic stability and development in recognition of the effect of the multifaceted challenges that are faced by individuals and households in Gombe State as a result of the ongoing economic downturn, especially from fuel subsidy removal.
He called on the distribution officials and volunteers to carry out their roles with integrity and responsibility in order to ensure transparency and efficiency, assuring the people that his administration was working on more social interventions to stimulate growth and counter the economic challenges faced by the people.
The Chairman of the State Steering Committee on the distribution of palliatives, Mr. Abdullahi Abdullahi, assured the Governor that the committee would discharge its assignment with the fear of God and to the benefit of humanity.
