Mimiko donates food to women in Ilaje, Irele, targets 70,000 beneficiaries across state

Governor Olusegun Mimiko began the second phase of his free food distribution to women in Okitipupa at the weekend.The programme is expected to continue today in Ese-Odo, Irele and Ilaje Local Council areas.

A statement in Akure yesterday by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, said the free food distribution would cover the 18 local council areas in the state.

According to Akinmade, the distribution would continue tomorrow in Odigbo, Ondo East and Ile-oluji-Oke-Igbo Local Councils areas and move to Akoko North East, Akoko North West, Akoko South East and Akoko South East on Wednesday.

The commissioner said over 100,000 women had earlier benefited from its first phase, which was launched at Ikare-Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko North East Local Council area in July.

Mimiko, who was accompanied by his wife, Olukemi and some government officials, said the programme was mainly for women irrespective of their political affiliations.

He said the only qualification for the free food was for the beneficiaries to present their residency cards, known as “kaadi Igbe Ayo,” which would authenticate that they are genuine residents of the state.

The governor explained that the exercise was necessitated by the harsh economic situation in the country, which had made food a top priority for the people.

He explained that as a responsible government, it could not fold its arms to allow its people to die of hunger.He added that women were chosen as target because of their status as custodians of the family and burden-bearer of households.

The governor urged the people to support the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Eyitayo Jegede in the coming governorship election.

He said: “Those parading themselves as PDP candidates in the election, apart from Jegede would realise that they are day-dreaming as soon as justice is served on the matter.”