The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar-Audu, has inaugurated the distribution of 2,600 bags of 25kg rice to indigent residents of Kogi as palliatives.
The minister also launched the distribution of 1,400 bags of fertilisers to eligible farmers across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
Addressing beneficiaries on Saturday in Lokoja, the state capital, the minister said that the distribution was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food production and security.
Abubakar-Audu described the palliative distribution to vulnerable citizens and eligible farmers as “very symbolic” in cushioning the effects of the prevailing hardship in the country.
He further said that the gestures were part of activities in commemoration of his one year in office as minister of steel development.
The minister assured Kogi residents of more federal government purpose-driven initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
He said, “In fostering peace and unity among indigene of the state, under the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, the palliatives will be distributed across the board.
“The beneficiaries will also include those from the opposition parties, all ethnic and religious groups, widows, market women, amongst other groups across the state’s three senatorial districts.”
He said that before now, he had provided N250 million succour distributed in N50,000 nano-business grants to 5,000 beneficiaries in Kogi.
The minister urged the Kogi residents to continue collaborating with him, the governor and other key leaders to bring about the desired state development.
On Ajaokuta Steel Complex, the minister disclosed that arrangements were on top gear to fastrack the revival of the company in line with the economic direction of the president.
NAN