By Virtuous Ikeoluwa
The Ekiti State Government has assured that the distribution of the economic relief package from the Federal Government to the vulnerable persons in the State would be executed without political colouration.
The Commissioner for Agric and Food Security in Ekiti State, Ebenezer Boluwade, who doubles as the Chairman of the Palliative Distribution Committee, said this today during the distribution of the First Tranche, Stage B Palliative Grain at the State Government House pavilion.
Recall that,the First tranche (stage A) of the palliative grains delivered to the State was 3,000 bags, out of which 18 bags were defective due to offloading, and the total number of the distributed grains were 2,982.
The Commissioner said, “The Government is for everybody, devoid of colouration; let members of the Committee be there for the sake of accountability. Let it get to the proposed people, let it not stop at the Local Government Level, let it go to the wards and from the wards to each household” 10 bags to go to each ward in Ekiti, and Ekiti has 177 wards, he added.
He also called for documentation of the distribution, saying that video evidence is necessary for accountability.
While interacting with journalists , the Commissioner for Information, Honourable Taiwo Olatubosun, said, “Just like we told you last week that the issue of palliative here in Ekiti is a continuous exercise, and it would continue in this manner. “We have a plan to make life better for the people, and the Governor is determined to ensure that we continue to promote that vision and mantra of shared prosperity.
“It is in that respect that we are here again today to share to the people palliative through the Local Government Representatives, which is the second batch of the first tranche. We told you this is the first tranche last week; this is stage B of the first tranche we have brought.” Olatunbosun Explained.
According to him, the Distribution Committee comprises members of Ekiti State Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN and the Muslim Society, adding that five committees from each ward will man the distribution.
Speaking on the follow-up and evaluation exercise, the Commissioner said, “we have the monitoring and evaluation committee, which is separate from the palliative distribution committee to ensure that the palliatives get to the beneficiaries.”
Speaking further, “The Chairmen of the Local Government across the state are here with the list, and we have their data. They would assist the wards to convey this to the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs when they get there, they would share to all the wards.
On his part, the Chairman Association of Local Government of Nigeria ALGON, Engr. Olabode Adetunji, who is also the Chairman, Efon Local Government Area, said, “We want this to reach the poorest of the poor. It is not a party thing; as long as you reside in Ekiti and among the vulnerables, you will get it.”
He also advised members of the Distribution Committee to be non-partisan in executing their responsibility, stressing that there will be the follow-up to ensure that names submitted get the palliative.