The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has commenced free distribution of fertilizer bags of rice and some other food items to residents of Kogi State.
Audu flagged off the distribution of the items to residents, farmers and traders in Lokoja on Saturday.
Among the items put up for distribution are 2,400 bags of rice and 1,200 bags of fertilizers.
The Minister directed that the items be distributed to needy residents across the 21 local government areas of the state.
The event was part of activities to commemorate one year in office of the Minister.
Audu explained that the gesture was also in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on food security.
According to him, the distribution of the items to vulnerable indigenes and eligible farmers is aimed at reducing the impact of high cost of foodstuffs.
“Today, I am here to distribute almost 4,000 bags of rice and fertilizers across the 21 local government areas of Kogi State to ensure that all stakeholders in Kogi State benefit from the palliatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President to ensure food security.
“And I want to thank all of you, especially the youths for abstaining from the recent wave of nationwide protests in Kogi State.
“It was a wonderful outcome, and I came here to thank all of you as we distribute these palliatives since you listened to your leaders, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and myself the Minister.
“We advised that youths engage in dialogue rather than joining the protests. We would not let you down for giving us the benefit of the doubt.
“In the last year, my tenure as Honourable Minister, I have provided succour to the people of Kogi State, including N50,000 in nano-business grants to 5,000 beneficiaries in Kogi State under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as a result of this effort, N250 million was disbursed to kogites.
“We distributed several palliatives earlier this year, and in addition to that , we are in here today doing more,” Audu stated.
The minister assured the people that he will continue to bring home gains from the Renewed Hope Agenda initiatives of Mr. President which he said is geared towards developing the state and improving the welfare and livelihoods of the people.
The Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, thanked the Minister for the gesture .
The traditional ruler noted that the items would go a long way in bringing relief to the people.
Mr. Stephen Bala Jibrin, Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, described the gesture as a timely intervention as farmers in the state need fertilizers and other farm inputs.
Jibrin said : “As farmers, our heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognizing Farmers in Kogi State.
“We thank the Minister because our association has been fully carried along as beneficiaries.
“The leadership of the association will ensure that the fertilizers get to farmers even at the grassroots.
“We have local government coordinators and ward coordinators. So, we are going to channel the items through them for further distribution.”
Miss Ruth Dada, a trader also thanked the Minister for reaching out to the traders.
“He knows there is hunger, and he has the spirit of giving to the poor and we pray God to promote him higher as we appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative.”
Highlight of the event was the conferment the “Outstanding Personality For Progressive Empowerment Project for Nigerian Women” on the Minister.
The award was also in recognition of his commitment towards reviving of he Ajaokuta Steel Complex.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
