Ogun State Government has begun the distribution of food items as palliatives to indigents and the vulnerable, in furtherance of its desire to cushion the effects of the cash crunch and fuel scarcity in the State.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, while speaking during the flag-off of the distribution in Akomoje, Abeokuta North Local Government Area, said the initiative was under the Social Investment Programme of the  State government, to ameliorate the hardship experienced by the people in recent time.

Prince Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the programme would go a long way to improve the living conditions of the residents.

The Governor stated that, “We have employed over 30,000 Social Investment Officers to distribute food items in their respective local communities. We realised that they are closer to the grassroots and they have been selected from different localities. They will also serve as an intermediary between the government and the people”.

Earlier in her remarks, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Hon. Olufemi Ilori-Oduntan, said the palliatives were in batches, which contained food items such as rice, pasta, noodles, garri, among others, adding that it would in no small measure reduce the sufferings of the people at the grassroots in the present period, urging the Officers in charge of the distribution to ensure transparency and fairness.

In his welcome address, the Chairman Abeokuta North Local Government, Prince Adebayo Ayorinde commended the Governor for rolling out measures that would guarantee the welfare, well-being, and wellness of the citizenry, particularly at the grassroots.

Two of the beneficiaries, Mr. Adisa Adetunji and Mrs. Kudi Akinbo appreciated the State government for the kind gesture