Only a few states appear to have received the 20 trucks of rice palliative earmarked by the Federal Government for each of the 36 states, causing concern, Sunday Vanguard understands.
A survey over the weekend indicated that no northern state, except Kano, had received the rice consignment, while in the South-West, only Oyo reported its arrival.
In the South-South region, officials from Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa confirmed receipt of the rice palliative, whereas others stated it had not arrived. Delta officials reported that the rice had not been received by Friday noon, and Edo and Cross River officials did not respond to inquiries.
Last Monday, the Federal Government announced the allocation of 740 trucks of rice to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Each state, including the FCT, was to receive 20 trucks containing 1,200 bags of 25kg rice, designated for the most vulnerable populations. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced this after a Federal Executive Council meeting led by President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister, along with Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga, stated that the President had directed the Minister of Agriculture to ensure food availability to alleviate the country’s hardship, expecting state governors to distribute the rice to the neediest.
Delta: No rice yet – Ahon, CPS
Sir Festus Ahon, Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, confirmed that the state had not yet received its share of the palliative.
Bayelsa: We received rice – Commissioner
Bayelsa State Information Commissioner, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, confirmed the arrival of the rice in Yenagoa, stating, “Yes, the state has received the palliative.” She noted that the governor would be informed, and the distribution would be non-partisan.
Akwa Ibom: 24,000 bags received
Ini Ememobong, Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom, acknowledged receiving 24,000 bags of rice from the Federal Government, supplemented by an additional 24,000 bags from the state to ensure wider distribution. The rice will be shared among 2,272 villages and over 100,000 families from the social register.
Rivers: LOC set up for distribution
In Rivers State, the rice arrived in Lagos on Wednesday. Governor Siminalayi Fubara established a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to oversee distribution, emphasizing non-partisan distribution.
Katsina: No rice truck yet
As of Friday noon, Katsina had not received the rice trucks. Public Relations Officer of Katsina SEMA, Bello Mamman, and DG SEMA, Hajiya Binta Dagani, were unavailable for further details.
Plateau: Consignment yet to arrive
Plateau State officials confirmed that the rice trucks had not arrived. Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, stated the consignment was still pending.
Borno: No rice yet – SEMA
NEMA’s North East Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Sirajo Garba Maidugu, and Borno SEMA DG, Mohammed Barkindo, reported no correspondence or rice delivery yet.
Kaduna: Officials mum
As of Thursday, it was unclear if Kaduna had received the rice. Calls to officials were unanswered.
Oyo: Distribution begins
Oyo State has commenced distribution, with a ceremony marking the handover to local government chairmen for equitable distribution.
Ondo: No rice yet
Ondo’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the state had not received the rice but would begin distribution upon arrival.
Osun: Awaiting rice
Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolawole Alimi, confirmed the state had not received the rice palliative and urged the Federal Government to address inflation.
Ogun: Awaiting consignment
Ogun State Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said the state was awaiting its consignment and would establish a committee for distribution.
Ekiti: No rice yet
Ekiti State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said the state was still awaiting the rice delivery.
Kwara: Awaiting rice
Kwara State officials reported no rice delivery yet, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Sokoto: No rice yet
Sokoto State Commissioner for Agriculture, Muhammadu Bello Wamakko, confirmed the state had not received the rice.
Zamfara: No rice yet
Zamfara State’s DG Media and Communication, Malam Nuhu Salisu Anka, reported no rice delivery.
Kebbi: No rice yet
Kebbi’s Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, confirmed the state was still awaiting the rice.
Benue: Awaiting rice
Benue State SEMA Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, stated the state had not received the rice but had received other palliative from NEMA and NGF.
Niger: No rice yet
Niger State’s Ministry of Agriculture PRO, Aisha Babadoko, and the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, reported no rice delivery yet.
Vanguard