FG hands over 12,367 bags of rice to Sokoto

The Federal Government has handed over 12,367 bags of rice to the Sokoto state government as part of the palliative measures to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu and Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, presented the bags of rice on Thursday.

In his address, Bagudu said the gesture was part of a Presidential initiative to support states in cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

He stressed that fertilizer, grains and other food items were distributed earlier aside other support on transportation system, housing and others.

The minister described the present economic challenges as a global phenomenon, which mainly due to conflicts, climate change, poor demographic planning and others issues.

Also speaking, , Masari explained that President Tinubu has introduced several measures to support Nigerians on the present economic challenges and improve their wellbeing.

He said the present challenges were temporary in view of long term socioeconomic mechanism designed to salvage the nation.

He enjoined Nigerians to understand the situation and support President Tinubu’s renewed hope policies and strategic planning for meaningful developments.

Gov. Ahmad Aliyu commended Tinubu’s style of leadership and assured more support in order to ease peoples sufferings and ensure infrastructural developments across the country.

READ ALSO: Aliyu presents N119bn supplementary budget to Sokoto Assembly

Aliyu said state government have received 60 trucks of fertilizer and 20 trucks of grains that were distributed to the citizens free across the 23 local government areas of the state.

He noted that the state government had also procured 12, 367 bags of rice for free distribution while another bags were earmarked to be sold at half prices to citizens.

The governor added that state government has also distributed 9,200 bags of rice with N5, 000 to needles and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through Zakkat and Endowment Commission.

He said the present administration has  procured 120 vehicles for interstates, intra township and local government transportation systems besides 1,000 motorcycles and 100 tricycles to youths in order to enhance the services to the residents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that beneficiaries comprised of religious groups, physically challenged persons, traditional institutions, youth and women associations and others.

A cross-section of beneficiaries expressed gratitude over the gesture while the event was attended by Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC Sokoto central), Secretary to the State, Alhaji Bello Sifawa among others.