Fuel subsidy palliatives: FCTA distributes 12,000 bags of Rice

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced the distribution of 12,000 bags of rice and maize to vulnerable households across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

Distribution of the food items, scheduled to take place for two days, commenced on Monday at Kwali, Kuje, and Abaji Area Councils.

Speaking on behalf of the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, in Kwali, the Secretary of the Area Council Services Secretariat, Bitrus Garki explained that the exercise was part of the FCTA’s distribution of palliatives to vulnerable residents.

He said each Area Council would get not less than 2000 bags of rice and maize.

Garki said: “You may recall that about two weeks ago, the FCT Administration organised an event where some of the food items were distributed to various groups.

“This includes Area Councils, representatives of 17 Chiefdoms, religious organisations, civil servants, and vulnerable groups.

“The feedback we received from that exercise was incredibly encouraging, which is why we are expanding the distribution today.

“Today, we are gathered here to carry on with this noble gesture, aligning it with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which aims to instill hope for a better future for all Nigerians.

“Under this phase of the distribution, we are bringing the items closer to the people, ensuring direct outreach to the vulnerable groups, taking place simultaneously in all the six Area Councils of the FCT.”

The Secretary urged the beneficiaries to utilize the items for the betterment of their families.

He advised them against selling the items. He stressed that the gesture was meant to provide sustenance in this challenging time.

According to him, the initiative was an integral part of the Federal Government’s approach to mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy which unfortunately has resulted in increased food market prices.

Garki said: “We recognise the challenges faced by our fellow citizens and it is our responsibility to address these hardships and provide necessary support during these challenging times”.

The chairman of Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chia, commended the Tinubu and FCT Minister for the support and promised to ensure equitable distribution of the palliatives to the target beneficiaries.

In Kuje Area Council, the chairman Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo, assured that the food items would get to every vulnerable person in his Council.

Sabo noted that his Council was known for integrity and honesty, believing that he would give an account of his stewardship to God one day.

He pledged to ensure that intended beneficiaries of the items would get them.

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Wike for the items, decrying that though Kuje boasts of the largest landmass in the FCT, it could not reap its agricultural potential due to insecurity which continues to bedevil the Council.