– Distributes 4,000 bags of rice and fertilisers
… assures indigenes of more Federal Government-driven initiatives
By Grace Ben Kato
The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has flagged off the distribution 4,000 bags of rice and fertilisers as palliatives to Kogi indigenes across the 21 local government areas of the state.
The palliatives, includes 2,400 bags of rice and 1,200 bags of fertilisers, the Minister said are in furtherance to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on food security and part of the activities to commemorate hos one year in office as Minister.
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Prince Audu, said the palliatives will be distributed across board to traditional leaders, market women, farmers, all ethnic and religious groups in the state, widows, other groups across the three senatorial districts of the state. Noting that the beneficiaries will also include those from the opposition parties.
The Minister said that in fostering peace, and unity among indigens of the state, the distribution of the items to vulnerable indigenes and eligible farmers is to ensure that all indigenes of the state benefit from the efforts of the Federal Government aimed at ameliorating the living conditions of the people in the face of the ongoing transformative agenda of Mr. President.
Speaking on his one year in office, he stated that he has been able to provided several succour to the people of Kogi State, including 250 million naira distribution of 50,000 Naira each, in nano-business grants to 5,000 beneficiaries in Kogi State under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Today, I am here to distribute almost 4,000 bags of rice and fertilisers across the 21 local government areas of Kogi states to ensure that all stakeholders in Kogi benefit from the palliatives under the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President to ensure food security.
Prince Audu assured the people of the state that as their highest representative at the federal executive council, he will continue to drive home all the initiatives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President geared towards developing the state and improving the welfare and livelihood of the people.
While appreciating Kogians for their support through his one year in office, he called on them to collaborate with him, the governor, and other key leaders to bring the desired development to the state.
The Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, thanked the Honourable Minister for the incentives, noting that it will go a long way in bringing succour to the people, praying that Almighty Allah continue to protect the Honourable Minister and give him the wisdom to succeed.
Commrade Stephen Bala Jibrin, Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, described the gesture as very timely. He extended the appreciation of farmers in the state who are in need of fertilisers, especially in the planting season.
“As farmers, we express our heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for recognising 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 fertilisers get to farmers down to the grassroots. We have local government coordinators, ward coordinators, so we are going to channel the items through them for further distribution”, he said.
Highlight of the event, was the Outstanding Personality award on the Minister, from the Progressive Empowerment Project for Nigerian Women, in recognition of his commitment towards reviving the steel industry as well as his dedication to uplifting the suffering of his people in the past year.
