As part of the measures to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal by the federal government, the Oyo state government has flagged off the second phase of the Sustainable Action For Economic Recovery ‘SAfER’ food distribution to the vulnerable in the state.
The flag-off and distribution exercise started today in the 6 geopolitical zones of Oyo State as Governor Seyi Makinde led the government functionaries at the Oyo zone and Oyo Deputy Speaker lead for the Ibadan less city which was held at the Old SDP building in Egbeda local government area.
Representing the Oyo state governor was the deputy speaker, Oyo state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi, the honorable commissioner for lands and urban developments, Hon Akin Funmilayo Williams, Oyo state ALGON chair’ Hon Sikiru Sanda Oyedele.
The palliative distribution flag off was held simultaneously across the geo-political zone in the state.
Speaking during the official flag-off, the Oyo ALGON chairman, Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda while welcoming dignitaries, residents, and stakeholders stressed that the Oyo state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde through the committee set up for the SAfER program said the relief materials will be distributed to the vulnerable segment of the population as a gesture to make life easier for them.
Representing the governor of Oyo state, Rt. Hon. Fadeyi in his speech said the distribution was aimed at bringing succor to the vulnerable segment of the population which includes the poor, aged, physically challenged as well and unemployed individuals.
He noted that the flag-off was the second phase of the SAfER program which had earlier commenced the usage less charge transportation for the masses and now the food palliative consisting of rice, beans, Yam flour, and Oil will be distributed with political sentiment.
He said the distribution, which will be a continuous exercise, was targeting not less than 20,000 households already registered on the Vulnerable People’s Support Programme.
Fadeyi called on politicians to stay away from the distribution processes as the items were not meant to be distributed on the streets or a political ward basis. He hinted that the seals must not also be tampered with until they get to the targeted beneficiaries.
He equally revealed that the state government has set up a disciplinary committee that will punish whosoever is caught with hoarding or diversion if the palliatives are meant for the poorest of the poor masses.
The program was attended by government functionaries, House of Assembly lawmakers, Royal fathers, local government chairmen, religious leaders, as well as residents living in less city of Ibadan.
