By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday commenced distribution of bags of rice and maize to at least 20,000, vulnerable households across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
The distribution exercise expected to last two days commenced at Kuje, Kwali and Abaji Area Councils.
Speaking on behalf of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in Kwali, Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Bitrus Garki disclosed that the exercise was part of the FCTA’s of palliatives to vulnerable residents, adding that each Area Council would get not less than 2000 bags of rice and maize.
“You may recall that about two weeks ago, the FCT Administration organized an event where some food items were distributed to various groups.”
“This includes Area Councils, representatives of 17 Chiefdoms, religious organizations, 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.”
Garki noted that under this phase of the distribution, which is taking place simultaneously in the six Area Councils, FCT is bringing food items closer to the people, thereby ensuring direct outreach to the vulnerable groups.
The Secretary advised the beneficiaries to utilize the items for the betterment of their families, advising them against selling the items, adding that the gesture was meant to provide sustenance in these challenging times.
He explained that 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.
“We recognize the challenges faced by our fellow citizens, and it is our responsibilities to address these hardships and provide necessary support during these challenging times.”
At Kwali,Kuje and Abaji Area Councils, the exercise was the same, as the Secretaries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Social Development Secretariats; Lawal Kolo Geidam, and Ibrahim Aminu, respectively represented the FCT minister.
Chairman, Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chia, commended President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister for the supporting the vulnerable and promised an equal of the palliatives to the target beneficiaries.
His Kuje counterpart, Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo, assured that the food items would get to every vulnerable person in his Council.
Sabo stated that his Council was known for integrity and honesty, believing that he would give account of his stewardship to God one day, as he pledged to ensure intended beneficiaries would items are meant to get them,
He also expressed gratitude to Tinubu and Wike for the palliatives, but lamented that despite kuje’s large landmass, it could not reap from its agricultural potentials due to insecurity which continues to bedevil the Council.
A beneficiary, Philip Maikasuwa, a leader of disabled individuals in Kuje, however, appealed for consideration for gainful employment.
Another beneficiary, Rashidat Tauheed, a graduate of FCT College of Education, said that the disabled individuals would never forget the gesture. She also appealed to be gainfully employed.
Other beneficiaries, who spoke to us at the three Area Councils, also commended the President and FCT Minister for the palliatives.
