The Katsina State Government has announced the delivery of 20 trucks of rice allocated by the Federal Government to the state.

The Acting Governor, Faruq Jobe, confirmed this during a joint meeting with critical stakeholders, interest groups, heads of security agencies, members of the executive council, the legislature, and the chairmen of the 34 local governments at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Katsina Government House on Monday.

Jobe said the state government has established a committee to ensure the equitable distribution of the rice to its intended beneficiaries.

According to him, to further alleviate the hardship faced by residents, the government has also sold 78,000 bags of grains and 173,000 bags of grains worth over N10.6 billion at subsidised rates to residents in the state.

He further stated that the state government has provided 400,000 bags of fertiliser to farmers at a subsidised rate, engaged more extension workers, and provided chemicals, all aimed at encouraging people to return to farming.

Jobe emphasised that the state government has provided several palliatives to vulnerable groups and the entire population of the state. “Primarily, the distribution of 31,000 bags of rice and stipends given free of charge to the elderly and vulnerable across the state.”

The Katsina Acting Governor commended the Katsina State Care Authority and the State Emergency Management Agency for actively providing empowerment support and relief assistance to the state’s residents, noting that KT-CARE has provided empowerment support amounting to N300 million, while SEMA has so far supported victims with over N63 million in relief materials.

Regarding the 1st August planned nationwide protest, Mallam Jobe acknowledged the challenges faced by residents in the state and urged the organisers to protest peacefully and avoid actions that could lead to loss of lives and property.

Culled from Punch