By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe
Secretary to Delta State Government and Chairman Subsidy Palliatives Committee, Dr Kingsley Emu, has charged members, and coordinators in 25 local government areas of the state, to ensure that items meant for distribution get to vulnerable Deltans, the elderly, indigents and other categories of persons most affected by subsidy removal.
He gave the charge on Thursday at a crucial meeting of the state subsidy removal committee held to fine-tune arrangements for the distribution of the next round of palliatives received from the federal government, saying that the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, directed that the process must not only be transparent but must be seen to be manifestly transparent.
Dr Emu disclosed that items received so far and meant for distribution include; 11,464 bags of maize, 4,699 bags of gari, and 23,996 25kg bags of rice are ready to be moved to 25 local government areas of the state, while the date for the commencement of distribution will be communicated to Deltans very soon via both traditional media and social media platforms to create desired awareness for the exercise.
The State Subsidy Committee Chairman charged the State Coordinator of the Subsidy palliates Committee, Olorogun (Barr) Jaro Egbo, to keenly supervise the activities of LGA Coordinators while urging members to be very vigilant, proactive and to ensure the effective distribution of the items in their localities.
“We are set to move items to the entire 25 local government areas for the next phase of distribution. And as you all know, our targets are those most affected by subsidy removal.
“The items to be distributed include; 11,465 bags of maize, 4,699 bags of Garri, and 23,996 25kg bags of rice. These items must reach the targeted population.
“His Excellency, the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, is deeply connected to this exercise. He is relying on this committee to do a good job, and we must deliver.
“The governor not only wants the process to be transparent but must be seen to be manifestly transparent, devoid of partisan influence and undue favouritism, to enable the government to achieve desired objectives.
“Just like the first phase of palliatives distribution that we did earlier, the same model will be adopted in the distribution of these palliatives. The maize will be shared amongst farmers associations (Poultry, Fishery and Piggery Farmers Associations).
“The Garri and Rice will be shared amongst the poor and vulnerable Deltans, especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, widows and indigents, to cushion the effects of economic hardship being experienced by some of our people,” Emu said.
