By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, over the weekend, flagged off the distribution of nearly 4,000 bags of rice and fertilizers as palliatives to Kogi residents across the 21 local government areas of the state.
The symbolic distribution of the palliatives—2,400 bags of rice and 1,200 bags of fertilizers—aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on food security and marks the commemoration of the Honourable Minister’s one year in office.
Prince Audu stated that the distribution of these items to vulnerable residents and eligible farmers aims to ensure that all Kogi indigenes benefit from the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate living conditions amid the ongoing transformative agenda of Mr. President.
He emphasized that the palliatives would be distributed inclusively, reaching members of opposition parties, all ethnic and religious groups in the state, widows, traditional leaders, and market women, among other groups across the state’s three senatorial districts.
“I want to thank all of you, especially the youths, for abstaining from the nationwide protests in Kogi State. It was a commendable outcome, and I am here to express my gratitude as we distribute these palliatives. You listened to your leaders—Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and myself—and chose dialogue over protests. We will not let you down for placing your trust in us.
“During my tenure as Honourable Minister over the past year, I have provided several forms of support to the people of Kogi State, including nano-business grants of ₦50,000 each to 5,000 beneficiaries, totaling ₦250 million under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Prince Audu assured the people of Kogi that, as their highest representative at the Federal Executive Council, he will continue to advocate for initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda that are aimed at developing the state and improving the welfare and livelihood of its residents.
The Honourable Minister thanked the people of Kogi State for their support during his one year in office, urging everyone to collaborate with him, the governor, and other key leaders to bring the desired development to the state.
The Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, thanked the Honourable Minister for the incentives, noting that they would go a long way in bringing relief to the people. He prayed that Almighty Allah would continue to protect the Honourable Minister and grant him wisdom to succeed.
Comrade Stephen Bala Jibrin, Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, described the gesture as timely, expressing the gratitude of farmers in the state who need fertilizers, especially during the planting season.
“As farmers, we express our heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for recognizing Kogi State. We also thank the Minister because our association has been fully included as beneficiaries.
“The leadership of the association will ensure that the fertilizers reach farmers, even at the grassroots level. We have local government and ward coordinators, and we will channel the items through them for further distribution.”
Miss Ruth Dada, a trader from Kogi, also thanked the Honourable Minister for remembering his people and reaching out to them. She said, “He knows there is hunger, and he has a heart that feels for the masses by doing this. We pray God will continue to promote him. We also appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for remembering all the people.”
The Honourable Minister also received the Outstanding Personality Award from the Progressive Empowerment Project for Nigerian Women in recognition of his commitment to reviving the steel industry and his dedication to uplifting the living standards of his people over the past year.
