By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Administration on Monday, extended its distribution of palliative food items to rural communities across the territory, so as to ease the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
Distribution of food items which was scheduled to take place across the six Area Councils, commenced at Kwali, Kuje and Abaji Area Councils on Monday, with the remaining area councils scheduled for Tuesday.
Speaking on behalf of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in Kuje Area Council, Mandate Secretary, Agriculture & Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Geidam, said the distribution of the items was in line with efforts of the FCT Administration to ensure that the items gets to the vulnerable residents who are the targeted group.
In his words, “This noble gesture, aligns with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu which aims to instill hope for a better future for all Nigerians. Under this phase of the distribution, we are bringing the items closer to the people, ensuring direct outreach to the vulnerable groups. I am proud to inform you that this exercise is taking place simultaneously in all six (6) Area Councils of the FCT.”
At kwali, Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Bitrus Garki explained that each area council would get not less than 1640 bags of rice and maize.
“You may recall that about two weeks ago, the FCT Administration organised an event where some of the food items were distributed to various groups.
“This includes Area Councils, representatives of 17 Chiefdoms, religious organisations, civil servants and vulnerable groups.
“The feedback we received from that exercise was incredibly encouraging, which is why we are expanding the distribution today”.
Meanwhile, in Abaji, the Secretary Social Development Secretariat, Ibrahim Aminu, urged the beneficiaries to utilize the items for the betterment of their families, advising them against selling the items, stressing that the gesture was meant to provide sustenance in this challenging times.
According to him, the initiative was an integral part of the Federal Government’s approach to mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy which unfortunately has resulted in increased food market prices.
“We recognise the challenges faced by our fellow citizens and it is our responsibilities to address these hardships and provide necessary support during these challenging times.”
The Chairmen of Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chia, Abaji, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi and that of Kuje, Hon Abdullahi Sabo, in their remarks commended the Tinubu Administration and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for the support and promised to ensure equitable distribution of the palliatives to the targeted beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries who spoke at the three Area Councils, also commended the President and FCT Minister for the palliatives.
Philip Maikasuwa, a leader of people living with disabilities in Kuje, however, appealed for consideration for gainful employment.
Another beneficiary, Rashidat Tauheed, a graduate of FCT College of Education, said that the disabled persons would never forget the gesture.
