The Federal Government has flagged off the distribution of 21,924 bags of rice to various indigent groups in Katsina State.
Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, the Northwest representative of the Presidential Committee on Food Security, flagged off the event at the Government House’ People’s Square in Katsina on Sunday.
Masari who is also the Political Adviser to President Bola Tinubu said the 21,924 bags of rice are meant to reach less privileged persons in each of the 361 wards in the state.
He noted that the periodic distribution of the rice palliatives across the country is part of the Federal gVovernment’s Food Support Programme aimed at cushioning the current hardship occasioned by the rise in prices of food and other items in the markets.
“This measure is borne out of President Tinubu’s resolve to cushion the effect of hardship being experienced by Nigerians as a result of some economic measures being implemented by the federal government.
“The rice palliative will reach various segments of the population, including IDPs, vulnerable women, youths and indigent persons across the 361 wards in the 34 local government areas of the state.
“When this administration came on board, it discovered that a lot of sacrifices needed to be made in order to get things working for the betterment of the country.
“Mr. President appreciates your support and continued cooperation in enduring the bold step taken by his administration to ensure that the country is put back on the track.”
Masari however assured all Nigerians that President Tinubu is committed to ensuring that these policies bring expected light at the end of the tunnel.
Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, in his remarks, said the distribution of the rice palliatives is part of measures to ensure national food security in line with President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, on his part, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the gesture and assured the Presidential Committee on Food Security that the rice would reach the target beneficiaries.
He explained that committees had already been set up at state, local government and ward levels to ensure equitable distribution of the food assistance.
“Members of the distribution committees at local government and ward levels include members of the state House of Assembly and representatives from security agencies, traditional and religious groups, as well as youth and women groups, among others,” Radda said.
