The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has flagged off the distribution of nearly 4,000 bags of rice and fertilizers as palliatives to Kogi indigenes across the state’s 21 local government area.
The symbolic distribution of 2,400 bags of rice and 1,200 bags of fertilizers is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and marks the Honourable Minister’s first year in office.
Prince Audu stated that the distribution of these items to vulnerable indigenes and eligible farmers is intended to ensure that all residents of the state benefit from the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate the living conditions of the people amidst the ongoing transformative agenda of Mr. President.
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The Honourable Minister emphasized that, in fostering peace and unity among the state’s residents, under the leadership of the governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the palliatives will be distributed equitably.
He noted that the beneficiaries would include those from opposition parties, all ethnic and religious groups, widows, traditional leaders, market women, and others across the state’s three senatorial districts.
“Today, I am here to distribute nearly 4,000 bags of rice and fertilizers across the 21 local government areas of Kogi State to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from the palliatives under Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure food security.
“I also want to thank the youths of Kogi State for abstaining from the nationwide protests. It was a remarkable outcome, and I came here to express my gratitude as we distribute these palliatives.
You heeded the advice of your leaders, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and myself, to engage in dialogue rather than joining the protests. We will not let you down for giving us the benefit of the doubt.
“In the last year, during my tenure as Honourable Minister, I have provided significant relief to the people of Kogi State, including 50,000 Naira in nano-business grants to 5,000 beneficiaries under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, amounting to a total of 250 million Naira distributed to Kogites. We distributed several palliatives earlier this year, and today, we are doing even more,” Prince Audu stated.
Prince Audu assured the people of Kogi State that, as their highest representative at the Federal Executive Council, he would continue to bring home all the initiatives of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at developing the state and improving the welfare and livelihood of its residents.
The Honourable Minister thanked the people of the state for their support throughout his first year in office, urging everyone to collaborate with him, the governor, and other key leaders to bring about the desired development in the state.
The Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, expressed his gratitude to the Honourable Minister for the incentives, noting that they would go a long way in providing relief to the people. He prayed that Almighty Allah would continue to protect the Honourable Minister and grant him the wisdom to succeed.
Comrade Stephen Bala Jibrin, Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, described the gesture as timely, expressing the appreciation of farmers who are in need of fertilizers, especially during the planting season.
“As farmers, we express our heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for recognizing Kogi State. We thank the Minister because our association has been fully included as beneficiaries.
“The leadership of the association will ensure that the fertilizers reach farmers even at the grassroots. We have local government and ward coordinators who will help distribute the items,” Jibrin said.
Miss Ruth Dada, a trader from Kogi, also thanked the Honourable Minister for remembering his people and reaching out to them.
She said, “He knows there is hunger, and he has a heart for the masses by doing this. We pray God will continue to promote him. We also appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for remembering all the people.”
The Honourable Minister was also awarded the Outstanding Personality Award by the Progressive Empowerment Project for Nigerian Women in recognition of his commitment to reviving the steel industry and his dedication to uplifting the suffering of his people over the past year.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE