Minister sets to foster peace ,unity in kogi, distributes palliatives

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has distributed palliatives to the people in the 21 local governments in kogi state in his attempt to foster peace and unity among indigens in the state . The symbolic distributions of the palliatives took place at the weekend in Lokoja with a fanfares as part […]

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has distributed palliatives to the people in the 21 local governments in kogi state in his attempt to foster peace and unity among indigens in the state .

The symbolic distributions of the palliatives took place at the weekend in Lokoja with a fanfares as part of his activities to commemorate one year in office.

He noted that the beneficiaries of the 4,000 bags of rice and fertilisers palliatives were drawn from the opposition parties, all ethnic and religious groups in the state, widows, traditional leaders and market women, among others across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Prince Audu added that 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 that aimed at ameliorating the living conditions of the people in the face of the ongoing transformative agenda of Mr. President.

“Today, I am here to distribute almost 4,000 bags of rice and1,200 bags of 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”, he said .

He reminded the people of the state that before now , under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, N250m was distributed to 5,000 beneficiaries,with each person taking N50,000, in nano-business grants.

He commended the youths in the state for abstaining from the recent nationwide protests in Kogi State, thanking them for settling for dialogue rather than joining the protests.

“We would not let you down for giving us the benefit of the doubt.It was a wonderful outcome, and I came here to thank all of you as we distribute these palliatives since you listened to your leaders, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and myself, the Minister of the federal republic of Nigeria”, he said.

The minister therefore assured the people of the state that he will continue to drive home all the initiatives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, which is geared towards developing the state and improving the welfare of the people.

Earlier, the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, thanked the Minister for the initiatives , noting that it will go a long way in bringing succour to the people; even as he prayed for continue protection and wisdom to succeed in his new office.

In the same vein, Commrade Stephen Bala Jibrin, Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, described the gesture as very timely, expressing 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”, he said.

Meanwhile, Miss Ruth Dada, a trader from Kogi, also thanked the Minister for remembering his own people by reaching out to them at this period of challenges.

“He knows there is hunger, and he has the heart of feelings for the masses by doing this, and we pray God will continue to promote him more and more. We also appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for remembering all the people”, she said.