Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Sunday flagged off the distribution of palliatives to the people of the state in a bid to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the distribution was part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary and the 27th year of the creation of the state.
Nwifuru, at the occasion, said that the distribution would be replicated at the 13 local government areas of the state.
The governor disclosed that the palliatives include bags of rice, fertilizers, sewing and grinding machines, cooking stoves, insecticide treated nets and mattresses, among others.
“I assure the people that the palliatives would be distributed judiciously to deserving beneficiaries.
“The state government has procured vehicles to convey workers to work as part of the palliatives.
“The transportation service will be free as the government will do its best in cushioning the effects of the subsidy removal on the populace,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu on his efforts at revamping the economy and urged Nigerians to be patient with his policies.
“I also expressed profound gratitude to Vice President Ahmed Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi, National Assembly members, past governors of the state, among others.
“I solicit continuous support, collaboration and patience from the citizens to move the state forward.
“We are resolute to revamp, rehabilitate and improve education, health, agriculture, water, internal roads, women affairs among other sectors of the state,” he said.
The Team Leader of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Kadiri Olarenwaju, said that the palliatives were to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
“About 9,000 victims of the 2022 flood disaster in the state would also benefit from the distribution,” he said.
