The Abia State Government has asserted its commitment to fairness and transparency in the distribution of the Federal Government’s palliatives to citizens.
This announcement was made by Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru, Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Policies and Intervention, during a press briefing in Umuahia.
Rev. Fr. Anokwuru detailed the process, stating, “We have ensured that the distribution is not only equitable but also responsive to the needs of our people.”
He explained that the state government initially received 16,800 bags of 50kg rice and 13,260 bags of 50kg maize. The government opted to sell the bags of maize and reinvest the proceeds to procure additional rice, resulting in a total distribution of 30,800 bags of 50kg rice during the first phase.
The adviser further noted that the government received a second batch of 24,000 bags of 25kg rice. “Out of these, 19,524 bags were allocated to civil servants from salary grade levels 01 to 08,” he added.
The remaining 4,476 bags were distributed to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Abia, the Amaudo Itumbauzo Centre for the mentally ill, orphanages, and widows, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Office of the Wife of the Governor.
In detailing the third batch, Anokwuru reported the receipt of 13,260 bags of 50kg maize and 3,196 bags of 25kg garri. Each of the 17 LGAs received 601 bags of maize and 144 bags of garri, while faith-based organizations were allocated 156 bags of maize and 38 bags of garri. Boarding schools also received 23 bags of maize and six bags of garri.
Looking ahead, the state government received its fourth batch in June 2024, which included 8,900 bags of urea and NPK fertilizers. Anokwuru explained that this batch will be distributed across 15 LGAs, deliberately excluding Aba North and Aba South, as well as some wards in Obingwa and Osisioma LGAs, due to their urban nature and minimal farming activities.
“Our goal is to ensure that every citizen feels the impact of these palliatives in their daily lives,” Anokwuru concluded, reaffirming the state’s dedication to transparency in the distribution process.
