Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has commenced the second phase of distribution of palliatives to 90,000 beneficiaries in the state.
Speaking shortly before the distribution of the palliative, Yahaya disclosed that no fewer than 30 persons would get the food palliative across 2,998 polling units in the state.
Our correspondent reports that miscreants snatched some of the items distributed as the governor, his entourage, and security details left almost immediately from Gombe Emir’s ground.
The items for distribution include bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti, etc.
Yahaya said, “This palliative we are giving should get to the needy, vulnerable people that are downtrodden and in need of this help and we did it in a a way that will reach all the 2,998 polling units. In each unit, at least 30 people are going to benefit.
“We have done that previously that covered 420,000 people and today what we are doing will cover appropriately 90,000 it means we are getting gradually to the roots of all the problems.”
While expressing optimism that the challenges faced by residents would be mitigated, Yahaya urged the distribution committee to ensure that the needy were prioritised.
“We shall address them as they come but all the same I want to advise the committee and the local people within us to make sure those in need are the ones that got this food so that they can help themselves,” Yahaya added.
On his part, Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Jatau, who doubles as the Chairman of the Palliative Distribution Committee said that the palliative includes bags of rice, and cartons of spaghetti among others, saying “that this palliative is meant to support the poorest of the poor regardless of party or religious affiliation.”
Also, Secretary to Government of the State, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, explained that the government since its inception has been formulating policies and programmes that have a direct impact on the lives of the people.
Also speaking, District Head Nasarawo, Alhaji Usman Shettima, said the gesture demonstrated the governor’s empathy and good leadership style in the state.
The traditional leader lauded the governor for the gesture, maintaining that the palliative “is timely and will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the people.”