Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has flagged off the distribution of palliatives to the poorest of the poor following the imposition of partial lockdown order as a measure to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony in Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of the state, Governor Governor Makinde said, his administration undertook a survey, to find out the poorest of the poor in each Local Government Area. Makinde said the first batch of the flag off would focus mainly on 90,000 households and it is expected to be concluded in two days while the palliatives for the 30,000 vulnerable would commence next week.
Meanwhile, Governor Makinde also declared palliatives
for farmers across the state. He said their palliatives would come in form of seedlings, fertilizers and farm clearing to aid the planting season that just commenced
In his welcome address,the Caretaker Chairman,Ibarapa Central, Hon. Olaniye Sarafadeen Olaito described the gesture as a welcome development and rare opportunity for the poorest of the poor in the state. He commended Governor Makinde for prioritising the welfare of all residents of the state, adding that all previous administrations couldn’t measure up to the standard created by the present administration. He assured that the relief packages would get to the people earmarked for.
On his part, the Commissioner for Special Duties who also doubles as the Chairman of the Palliatives Committee, Chief Bayo Lawal said the distribution was taking place simultaneously in the seven zones that make up the state. He added that personnel were already on stand by to start the distribution in each Local Government.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with our correspondent, Segun Kehinde, thanked Governor Makinde for the relief packages, adding that the palliatives would cushion the effects of COVID-19.
The items distributed include:Beans, Yam flour, Garri and Vegetable oil.