October 01, (THEWILL) – Governor Francis Ogbannaya Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has flagged off the distribution of palliative for onward sharing to the thirteen local government areas of the State.
Performing the flag-off during a ceremony to mark Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary and 27 years of Ebonyi State’s creation at the Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki, Nwifuru said he acknowledged the current economic realities of the country.
According to him, his administration has approved the training and mentorship of 1,500 Ebonyians doing menial jobs in various cities with N2m each, amounting to N3bn.
“Ndi Ebonyi, we are aware of the current troubling economic times in the country. We feel your pinches as well because we are in it together.
“As part of measures to cushion the effects of the economic challenges, I mentioned earlier in this address that our Government released N50 million loan to assist traders and local business people.
“In addition to this, we have palliative items from both our Government, re-bagged 10kg rice of the National Food Security Council and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and Special National Economic and Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI).
“Below is the list of palliative and food items in our warehouse, ready for distribution across the 13 Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.
“Some items like Maize and Rice that are yet to be rebagged are still in our warehouse in 100kg and 50kg respectively.
“Today, we are flagging off the distribution of these palliatives and I want to assure all of you, my people, that no kobo from this fund will be misused. The items will be shared judiciously. These palliatives will be shared in a way that favours both the middle class and the poorest of the poor among us.
“Let me reiterate that we acknowledge the plights of the Ebonyi people, especially as it concerns the difficulty workers face in transporting themselves to work.
“That is why today, we have procured 4 number of 100-seater INNOSOM CNG Buses for the transportation of our workers from Abakaliki metropolis to the Airport, College of Education Ikwo, Ebonyi State University, Centenary City and other areas. We are working on getting more to suit your needs, as provided for by the Federal Government.
“In order to promote vocational and technical education for skill enhancement, self-sufficiency and sustainability, our administration has approved the training and mentorship of 1,500 Ebonyians doing menial jobs in various cities with N2m each, amounting to N3bn; approved and released the sum of 50 million naira to boost the capacity of small businesses in the State; paid the sum of fifteen million naira medical bill for kidney patient, Miss Chidera Aja from Ivo Local Government Area; encouraged the growth and development of our youthful talents and creative industry, for instance, our recognition and gift to MC Walter for setting a world record of 130 hours of non-stop entertainment,” he disclosed.
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