Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
The Edo State Government has distributed 13,000 bags of rice donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation to the vulnerable people in the state.
The State Governor, Monday Okpebholo distributed the 10 kg bags of rice to the beneficiaries on Wednesday at the Government House in Benin City.
Okpebholo, expressed his
heartfelt gratitude to the donor and his Foundation for the notable act of generosity and compassion.
The Governor represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa opined that the donation is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting food security as well as supporting the most vulnerable members of the society.
“The initiative is to distribute one million bags of rice to the 774 Local Government Areas across the country, and the move is a laudable demonstration.
Edo State Government has aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes food security for the nation.
“We have launched the Back to Farm project, which is aimed at cultivating 3,000 hectares of land across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State.
“This effort underscores our administration’s commitment to achieving food sufficiency and enhancing agricultural productivity across the State.
“I use this opportunity to call on well meaning Nigerians to emulate Aliko Dangote’s generosity as the fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility and together through partnerships like this, we will build a more resilient, secure and prosperous future for all.
“As we commence the distribution of rice to the vulnerable across the State, I assure you that the process will be transparent, equitable, and will be carried out with utmost integrity.
“We will ensure that these items reach the vulnerable and communities that they are intended for,” he said.
The Governor, however, called on Nigerians to collaborate with the government at all levels to fight against poverty and hunger.
While positing that the fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians, he noted that through partnerships, the government will build a more resilient, secure, and prosperous future for all.
In her remarks, the leader of market women in Edo State, Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele, thanked the Governor Okpebholo led administration for all it has been doing for market women and vulnerable people in the State.
Ebhaguejezele added that since the governor came on board, he has empowered youths, women, and the vulnerable across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State.
In their separate goodwill messages, Mrs. Margerrette Ogun, Mrs Patience Agharia, Princess Judith Oshodin all commended the governor for running a transparent administration and remembering the people through laudable programmes like this.
They assured him of the support and collaboration of Edo people to ensure that he fulfills his electioneering promises to the people, adding that they will all support the second term ambition of President Bola Tinubu come 2027.
