The Minister in the middle, flanked by traditional rulers from the three Senatorial districts of the state and representatives of various organizations during the the distribution of the palliatives in Lokoja on Saturday.
Some of the items the minister distributed at the occasion.Some traditional rulers and other stakehokders at the occasion.
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, distributed 4,000 bags of rice and fertilizer as palliatives to the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
At the symbolic distribution, in Lokoja on Saturday in the presence of traditional rulers from the state’s three senatorial districts, the minister explained that the initiative was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at alleviating hunger in the country.
He added that the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable citizens and eligible farmers was also symbolic, marking his one-year anniversary as the Honourable Minister of Steel Development.
He announced that 2,600 bags of rice (25 kg each) and 1,400 bags of fertilizer would be distributed to farmers and needy citizens across the 21 local government areas of the state.
The minister also assured Kogi residents of more Federal Government-driven initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Audu emphasized that this gesture was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve living conditions amidst President Tinubu’s transformative agenda.
“In promoting peace and unity among the state’s residents under His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Ododo’s leadership, the palliatives will be distributed widely. Beneficiaries will include members of opposition parties, all ethnic and religious groups, widows, traditional leaders, market women, and other groups across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“Today, I am here to distribute nearly 4,000 bags of rice and fertilizer across the 21 local government areas of Kogi. This is to ensure that all stakeholders in Kogi benefit from the palliatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President to ensure food security.
“I also want to thank all of you, the youths, for abstaining from the nationwide protests in Kogi State. Your decision to engage in dialogue rather than protests is greatly appreciated. We will not let you down for giving us the benefit of the doubt,” Prince Audu said.
He continued, “In the past year, during my tenure as Honourable Minister, I have provided various forms of support to the people of Kogi State, including N50,000 nano-business grants to 5,000 beneficiaries. This means that N250 million was distributed to Kogites under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We distributed several palliatives earlier this year, and today’s efforts are an additional part of that commitment.”
Audu reaffirmed President Tinubu’s dedication to developing the state and the country, and improving the welfare of the people. He urged the public to continue collaborating with him, the governor, and other key leaders to bring about the desired development.
He also noted that efforts were underway to expedite the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company, in line with the President’s directive.
The Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo, thanked the Minister for the incentives, noting that they would provide significant relief to the people. He prayed for the Minister’s continued protection and wisdom.
Mr. Stephen Jibrin, Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kogi chapter, called the gesture timely. He expressed farmers’ gratitude for the fertilizer, particularly needed during the planting season.
“As farmers, we sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for recognizing Kogi State. We also appreciate the Minister for involving our association in the distribution. We will ensure that the fertilizers reach farmers, even at the grassroots level,” Jibrin said.
Beneficiaries Miss Ruth Dada from Lokoja and Halimat Abdullahi from Okene also thanked the minister for his support. They appreciated his empathy and President Tinubu’s recognition of their needs.
The Minister was honored with the “Outstanding Personality” award from the Progressive Empowerment Project for Nigerian Women, in recognition of his commitment to reviving the steel industry and alleviating the suffering of his people over the past year.
