Ondo Explains Delay In Distribution Of Palliatives, Says FG’s Rice Can’t Go Round

By Ayodele Oni

The Palliative Committee in Ondo State handling distribution of incentives to cushion the hardship occasioned by subsidy withdrawal on petrol has assured people of the State that some hitches being encountered are being addressed.

Commissioner for information,  Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, in a statement explained that the problem arose from shortfall in bags of rice released by the federal government to the state.

The commissioner pointed out that “At this point, we acknowledge that we have challenges on food supply.

‘The number of bags of rice we got from the Federal government is way below what was promised.

“Instead, the Federal government has monetized the value of the rice. As a result, we are getting vendors to supply us food items to meet our projections.

“Supply of these products and their packaging into smaller bags will take time. However, we will save time using a rolling plan.

“Our plan will roll out these items in batches by Senatorial District, for efficient distribution and monitoring. We expect to begin the distribution of food items by September 1st.”

According to her, “the committee will however go ahead to fulfill other palliatives as set out in the plan.

Ademola-Olateju stated that “the palliatives committee sat to review its implementation strategy and distribution plan.

“We arrived at several conclusions at the meeting. In line with our commitment to fair and equitable distribution, in addition to transparency, we have the following updates to pass to members of the public.

“On social intervention for pensioners – starting this August as earlier promised, pensioners will get their N10,000 paid at the same time they are getting their salaries.

“Also, vulnerable people in our communities will start getting their N10,000 from the first week of September. For Public servants, the outstanding leave bonus for 2020 will be paid along with their salaries this month.

“The roadshow to empower small and medium scale enterprises will begin next week. During this time, our officials will meet business owners in where they operate and give them grants in line with their size and output.

“Our plan for the provision of farm inputs to farmers will also start next week. On transportation, the plan for school buses and boats is in top gear. We are confident we will be ready by the time school starts.

“Once again, we reiterate that we feel your pain, we are in this together, and we will get through this testy phase of our nation’s path to greatness.

“On the palliative measures we have planned, we are committed to equitable distribution and transparent conduct, as we seek to mitigate the current hardship.”