By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Osun State Government has officially launched the distribution of essential food items provided by the Federal Government to help alleviate hardship among the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

The launch ceremony took place at the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA) warehouse in Osogbo.

The Special Adviser on Emergency Management, Emiola Fakeye, who represented the Governor, emphasised the need to ensure that the food palliatives reach the most vulnerable individuals across the state.

The Governor, who stressed the importance of inclusivity, maintained that no one would be left behind in benefitting from the gesture brought to Osun by the Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The Governor expressed gratitude to NEMA for their unwavering support and dedication to the well-being of Osun residents.

He also highlighted their commitment to providing timely assistance at this crucial time when people are in need.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, thanked both the Federal and State Governments for their efforts in providing the food items. Oluomo Alimi urged all stakeholders involved in the distribution to maintain openness, fairness, and integrity throughout the process.

The OSEMA General Manager, Mr. Babajide Falade, acknowledged the economic hardship faced by many families in the state and enumerated the efforts being made by the Ademola Adeleke-led government to cushion the effects.

Falade also advised the beneficiaries to make the best use of the items and assured that this initiative is part of a larger commitment from both the Federal and State Governments to improve the quality of life for all citizens.

The Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, represented by the Southwest Zonal Director, Mr. Stephen Adewale, who handed over the palliatives to the Osun State Government, recalled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to reducing the impact of the current economic downturn through his “Renewed Hope” agenda.

He noted that President Tinubu had approved the release of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMOA&FS).

Among the items allocated to Osun State were 1,170 metric tonnes of maize (equivalent to 23,400 50kg bags) and 126 metric tonnes of gari (equivalent to 5,040 25kg bags).

Speaking at the event, Mr Joseph Kalu, Head of the Legal Services Unit of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), commended Governor Adeleke for his various projects across the state. He also assured the public that his team would monitor the distribution of the palliatives to ensure transparency and accountability.

Also present at the ceremony were the Commissioner for Empowerment and Cooperative, Hon. Bayo Ogungbange; Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, Mr. Oyedeji; and management and staff of OSEMA, among others.