Not fewer than 214,000 less privileged and vulnerable persons in Gombe State have been targeted in another round of palliative distribution of food and non-food items by the State Government.
The disclosure was made by the State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who flagged off another round of distribution of food palliatives to less privileged and vulnerable persons across the 114 wards of the State.
During the flag-off ceremony held at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe, the Governor disclosed that this round marks the 17th phase of palliative distribution since he took office.
He stated that not fewer than 214,500 beneficiaries across the 2,988 polling units in the 114 wards of the 11 local governments of the state will be reached.
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He further said that the food items are for distribution to both Muslims and Christians, currently observing Ramadan and Lent periods.
The Governor explained that the exercise, which demonstrates the commitment of his Government to helping citizens of Gombe State during difficult times, remains an enduring attribute of his administration.
He emphasized that there was no time of difficulty that his administration did not intervene to alleviate the suffering of the people.
According to him, “Today, we are commencing another round of palliative food distribution, with a renewed focus on reaching 214,500 beneficiaries. This gesture is not merely about providing sustenance; it is about ensuring that our people can observe their fast with dignity and gratitude, in accordance with the teachings of both our great religions, Islam and Christianity.”
“From the days of the Covid-19 pandemic to the recent removal of fuel subsidy, we have taken steps to alleviate the suffering of our people during their period of need,” he added.
He further remarked that, “The removal of fuel subsidy last year, though a difficult yet necessary decision, brought untold economic hardship on the people. In our efforts to alleviate their suffering, we rolled out a palliative food distribution programme in August 2023 targeting 420,000 beneficiaries.”
According to him, “In January this year, we continued this noble initiative by launching the second phase of the programme, reaching an additional 90,000 beneficiaries.”
Inuwa Yahaya stated that his administration is aware of the challenges faced by residents, while assuring continued support whenever the need arises.
He then called on leaders and good-spirited individuals to support the poor and vulnerable in their communities, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Christian Lent Season.
He further said that, “I urge our people to be their brother’s keepers, by showing compassion and kindness in their interaction with one another.”
He urged the distribution committee to ensure that the food items reach the intended beneficiaries and warned against acts of sabotage, adding that such acts would not be condoned.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Palliative Distribution Committee, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, highlighted that each of the 214,500 beneficiaries will receive 1 bag of rice, 1 bag of maize, 1 bag of sugar, and a carton of spaghetti pasta.
The Deputy Governor, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Abubakar Inuwa Kari, said, “His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has ensured a fair and equitable distribution of the palliative to all 2,988 polling units, across all the 114 wards in all the 11 LGAs.”
He stressed that, “taking into consideration women, especially widows, persons with special needs, and other vulnerable members of the society.”
“Each of the 214,500 beneficiaries will receive 1 bag of rice, 1 bag of maize, 1 bag of sugar, and a carton of spaghetti,” the Deputy Governor said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, expressed gratitude to the Governor for consistently addressing the needs of the people of the state.
He credited the distribution initiative to the Governor’s generosity, which he said was evident of his compassion and empathy, particularly amid the challenges posed by the global economic downturn.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Emir of Gombe, Alh. Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, who is also the Chairman of Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, said the exercise, which targets the most vulnerable persons of the society, will go a long way in cushioning the effects of prevailing economic hardships, especially during this sacred month of Ramadan.
He urged other politicians, public office holders, and public-spirited individuals to borrow a leaf from the Governor’s gesture.
A cross-section of beneficiaries who spoke at the event expressed their appreciation to Inuwa Yahaya for consistently supplying relief materials to vulnerable members of the society, emphasizing that this support comes at a crucial time, particularly during the month of Ramadan, when it is most needed.
The event was attended by the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo, the Chief Judge of Gombe State, the Grand Khadi, APC Chairman, Traditional Rulers, and other top government functionaries.
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