The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Oladele Alake on Saturday, commenced the distribution of 1,200 bags of rice to the aged in Ekiti to cushion the effect of the current economic hardship.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by his Special Adviser, Media, Mr Segun Tomori in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital.
He said the gesture followed the decision of President Bola Tinubu to respond to the yearnings of Nigerians to make more food available at the grassroots.
He thanked the President for living up to his tradition of listening to the people and demonstrating a caring heart.
Dr Alake said the 1,200 bags was made available to him and each minister to further supplement the established channels of distribution, such as state governments and civic organisations.
According to him, we need to reach out to our aged fathers and mothers at times like this to demonstrate the Omoluabi values of taking care of the old in the community.
“In the spirit of inclusion, it is important that we channel this intervention to mainly elderly citizens, who do not have the strength to compete for welfare goods, such as these at the established centres”.
He said the subsequent interventions would target other segments of the populace such as widows, orphans, persons with disabilities and students in higher institutions of learning.
Dr Alake enjoined all public spirited Ekiti people to lend a hand to the needy, adding that all hands must be on deck to support all efforts to rid the state of hunger and poverty.