From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri has approved the distribution of 4,200 bags of rice to vulnerable persons across the state’s eight local government areas. The state Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, who disclosed this on Friday, while flagging off the distribution at the Banquet Hall, Ovom, Yenagoa, said the bags of rice were Christmas gifts to the downtrodden in the 105 wards in the state.
She explained that each ward would get 40 bags distributed through the local government chairmen and councilors.
Mrs. Koku-Obiyai however added that Diri has exempted political appointees from being beneficiaries, warning that only vulnerable people are to benefit from the gesture.
“The Bayelsa State government led by Sen. Douye Diri has commenced the distribution of Christmas rice to the vulnerable across the 105 wards, covering the eight local government areas of the state. We have agreed as a government to give 40 bags of rice per ward to all wards in the state.
“The distribution pattern is through the chairmen in the local government areas. The communities will be given through the councilors. All political appointees have been directed not to take part in this. It’s purely for the vulnerable people; it’s a Christmas gift from our government led by Senator Douye Diri, and the deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,” she said. The chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government area, Hon Target Segibo in an interview said the gesture has become a routine for Diri every Christmas season as part of efforts to alleviate the living conditions of the vulnerable.