By Adedotun Ajayi

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday, flagged off the second phase of palliative and farm implements distribution to residents of Ondo State.

 This initiative followed the first phase which began in April this year.

Items distributed at the well attended event in Akure included 24,000 bags of 25kg Nigerian rice, 14,040 bags of 50kg maize, 3,440 bags of 25kg garri, and over 170 tricycles, tillers, and canoes.

 Beneficiaries include various groups and individuals from all the 18 Local Government Areas of the State, farmers’ associations, and other stakeholders.

The event held at the Agric Warehouse at Oke-Eda, Akure, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, Head of Service, Bayo Philip, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.

Aiyedatiwa emphasised his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people, noting, “This initiative is a testament to our administration’s dedication to the welfare of the people. Rising costs and food scarcity have become a national challenge, exacerbated by the removal of the fuel subsidy.”

He stressed the government’s ongoing efforts to alleviate suffering and ensure food availability.

Aiyedatiwa urged market leaders, farmers, and trade organizations to reduce prices and practice empathy in their business dealings, saying “Your pursuit of profit must never be at the expense of people’s well-being.

The governor highlighted the role of the agriculture and Food Security Committee in combating food insecurity, citing the earlier distribution of maize in April as very successful.

He called for fair and transparent distribution of the current phase to ensure that it is not politicized but benefit the needy and vulnerable.

Aiyedatiwa also acknowledged the collaborative funding by the Federal and the State Governments and commended agricultural stakeholders for their support.

 He mentioned upcoming proposals for subsidized sales and hires of food and agricultural products to boost production and reduce market prices.

State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Olayato Aribo, reiterated the importance of food security as a primary government responsibility.