The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has said that his administration has procured 110,000 bags of grains as palliatives for distribution to vulnerable groups across the state worth N2 billion.
He disclosed this in his speech while flagging off the distribution of the palliatives on Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
The Governor said the initiative which is a collaboration with the Federal Government, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the North-East Development Commission yo cushion the effects of hardship faced by citizens and the rising rate of inflation in the country.
He said that the items would be shared across the 323 electoral wards of the 20 Local Government Areas of the State.
Mohammed said: “The rising cost of foodstuffs and inflation have undoubtedly placed a heavy burden on our people. And it is out of genuine concern for their welfare that the Bauchi State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government has embarked on this intervention.
“I must commend the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the swift response to the hardship confronting our nation.
“The collaboration between the Federal Government and the state governments across the country is a testament of our collective commitment to provide succour and solace to our citizens during this challenging times.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Bauchi State Government has allocated more than N2 billion towards the purchase of grains and we have also received substantial contributions from the National Emergency Management Agency, the North-East Development Commission, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, to mention but a few.”
He added that: “There’s hunger and honestly, this hunger is not just in Bauchi but in Nigeria but the world at large.
“This considerable efforts are aimed at ensuring that our citizens have access to essential food items during this trying period.”
According to him, in recognition of the importance of transparency and accountability in the initiative, the state government decided to set up a committee with critical stakeholders as members to coordinate the purchase and distribution. He therefore, tasked members of the committee to be just, fair and transparent in the distribution of the items.
“While we understand that the available food items may not be sufficient to meet the needs of every citizen, we are already planning the third phase of the palliatives. Accordingly, the State Government is working diligently to replenish food reserves for future interventions and emergencies in the near future.
“Under this phase of Ramadan palliatives, 40,000 bags of maize, 40,000 bags of millet, 20,000 bags of rice and 10,000 bags of sugar would be distributed across the 323 wards of the State,” he stated.