From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a move aimed at alleviating economic challenges faced by residents of Nasarawa State, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has distributed bags of rice and fertilizer to 1,200 vulnerable individuals across the state’s three senatorial zones.
The distribution, which took place on Sunday in the Kwandere community of Lafia Local Government Area, marked the Minister’s one-year anniversary in office. The gesture was also part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim, a native of Nasarawa State, explained that a total of 2,400 bags of 25kg rice and an equal number of bags of NPK 20-10-10 fertilizer would be distributed to the less privileged across the state.
“The distribution exercise is taking place simultaneously in Lafia, Nassarawa Eggon, and Karu Local Government Areas, serving as collection points for the three senatorial districts to ensure that all targeted residents are reached promptly,” she stated.
The Minister acknowledged the current economic difficulties faced by citizens but assured them that the federal government’s policies would soon alleviate their struggles.
“We are here today to distribute food items and fertilizer to the vulnerable residents of Nasarawa State under the Renewed Hope Agenda on food security. This initiative is part of our efforts to support the beneficiaries and their families,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim added.
She expressed her gratitude to Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, for his unwavering support since her appointment and reaffirmed her commitment to safeguarding the interests of the state’s residents at the national level.
The National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Executive Chairman of Lafia LGA, Aminu Mua’zu-Maifata, lauded the federal government’s efforts to mitigate the economic hardships caused by the removal of the petroleum subsidy.
“This commendable gesture by the Minister will significantly aid the vulnerable in our state. I encourage other well-off individuals to follow suit and assist those in need,” Mua’zu-Maifata said.
The Emir of Kwandere, Ahmadu Al-Makura, in his welcome remarks, thanked the dignitaries present and urged beneficiaries to use the palliatives wisely, rather than selling them.
Zainab Isah, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude on behalf of the others, thanking the Minister for the empowerment and pledging to utilize the rice and fertilizer effectively.
The Sun reports that the distribution exercise targeted several groups, including Persons Living With Disabilities, Internally Displaced Persons, farmers, students, and nursing mothers