Palliatives: Buni inaugurates distribution of 50,000 bags of grains, warns against diversion
Palliatives: Buni inaugurates distribution of 50,000 bags of grains, warns against diversion
By Bala Dauda, Damaturu
Gov Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has flagged of the distribution of 50,000 bags of assorted grains to over 120,000 households across the 17 local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the occasion in Damaturu, Buni noted that the exercise would provide succour to targeted vulnerable persons across the state.
He said the grains, including rice, maize, millet and sorghum, would be distributed through clusters of representatives of mosques, churches, orphanages, internally displaced persons, People Living with Disabilities (IDP’s), among others.
“ It is with a great sense of satisfaction that I am here with you today to launch the flag-off of the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable persons across the 17 local government areas of the state, to provide more succour to our teeming populace.
“ As you are aware, this administration has provided numerous interventions through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). I am pleased to state that l have received favourable feedback from the previous distribution exercises, through direct and indirect monitoring mechanisms.
“ It is also gladdening that SEMA has adequately put the experience garnered over the years in the distribution of essential materials, and resettlement of displaced persons into practice, to effectively achieve the desired goal by reaching out to those who truly deserve the support. I, therefore commend the management and staff of SEMA for living up to expectations of the government.
“ The distribution we are about to launch now is indeed massive, targeting 120,000 vulnerable households to cushion the effects of the economic hardships, and to provide food to the vulnerable persons and others who are actually in need,” he said.
The governor, however, warned officials handling distribution of the grains against sharp practices, saying anyone found wanting would be dealt with decisively.
“ l have directed the State Emergency Management Agency to work closely with the security agencies to ensure safe transportation and distribution of the materials to the targeted beneficiaries. Government would deal ruthlessly with any act of sabotage or diversion of the materials.
“ The local government committees are also hereby directed to ensure transparency and accountability, and with priority given to People Living with Disabilities, the weak and elderly persons, Nursing and expectant mothers, retirees, and low level civil servants,” Buni said.
He charged relevant stakeholders, including members of Yobe State House of Assembly, council’s chairmen, community leaders, civil society organizations to join hands with government in monitoring and distribution of food items to the most vulnerable persons in the state.
The governor commended the Federal Government through the NG-Cares, the North East Development Commission (NEDC), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other development partners for complementing and supporting efforts toward providing succour to the citizenry.
