February 11, (THEWILL) – The Ogun State Government has expressed readiness to commence the distribution of 400,000 food items to vulnerable residents in the State as part of efforts to cushion the effects of fuel and naira scarcity.
Governor of the State, Dapo Abiodun, disclosed this at a press conference held at the Presidential Lodge on Friday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
He said that the 400,000 food items would be the first phase of the palliatives to be distributed through the newly appointed Social Investment Officers, beginning from Saturday (today)
The Governor stated that the social intervention programme would provide the needed succour to the people of the state, especially in the face of the cash crunch and fuel scarcity.
He apologised to the people for the hardship the naira swap policy has caused them, appealing to security agencies to handle the situation with more professionalism and deeper maturity.
“We will be distributing the first phase of 400,000 food items through our social investment officers in each LGA to the communities starting this weekend.
“We hope this social intervention provides some succour to our people. Again, we apologise for the inadvertent hardship and inconvenience this policy has caused all of us.
“Let me also appeal to our security agencies to handle this situation with more professionalism and deeper maturity.
“Indeed, these are trying times for all of us. I appeal to all of us to exercise patience because the much-desired relief is around the corner. Let us give peace a chance,” he said.
Abiodun, who also stressed that violence can never resolve issues, called on the people of the state to join hands with the government to solve the lingering problems, adding that attacking banks or any public facility would not do anybody any good.
He charged the people of the state not to allow unscrupulous elements to take advantage of the challenging times, noting that the period is a phase, which would be defeated.
The Governor divulged that his administration was working hard to tackle the naira supply challenge as well as facilitating the adequate supply of petroleum products to designated filling stations across the state, hinting that the result will be seen in the next few days.
He further said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had assured of an adequate supply of money to the Money Deposit Banks in the days ahead, saying that he expected the banks to promptly disburse the new naira notes as directed and not divert the money for any other reason.
Abiodun, while warning that his government would treat any erring banks and bankers as economic saboteurs and would not hesitate to wield the big stick on them.
He appealed to Royal Fathers, Civil Society Organisations, Youth Organisations, Students’ Bodies, Organised Labour and Religious Leaders, to help sensitise the people on the need to embrace peace and dialogue in resolving the issues on ground.
The Governor, however, introduced the new Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba, to the people of the State, disclosing that the CP can be reached on a telephone number – 07025000383, whenever the need arises.
