The Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has commenced the distribution of palliatives to 90,000 households identified as poorest of the poor and another 30,000 vulnerable households across the State.
Governor Makinde commenced the distribution of the palliatives which would help in cushioning the harsh economic effects of the novel coronavirus in the State in Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government.
Commending the people of Ibarapa Zone for their consistency in supporting him since he started his political journey in 2007, Makinde maintained that the state government decided to distribute palliatives to assist people “whose means of income have been badly affected” by the partial shutdown of activities in the state.
The governor, who also visited the Primary Health Care Centres in Idere and Igboora, which have been marked for improvement and renovation as isolation centres, explained that though the state government decided against total lockdown of the state, it embarked on intense sensitisation to ensure that the people follow safety precautions.
He said: “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate you all. I have not had the time to thank you since we got into office and that is why I am using this opportunity to do so today. I can assure you that this government will not disappoint you.
“I am actually here for a reason and I believe all of us are also aware of the coronavirus pandemic. Though I also tested positive for the virus, I was able to defeat it and come out stronger.
“When other states were embarking on lockdown, I was averse to that decision and made sure that Oyo State was not locked down like others. So, what we did was a partial lockdown and we warned our people to follow safety precautions we have provided because it is a very contagious one.
“However, the means of livelihood of some of our people have been partially affected. There are people within us who earn what will feed them in the evening period but we said this should come to an end because of the curfew. Many businesses have also been affected.
“So, because of the people whose means of income have been badly affected, we decided to come and distribute these palliatives package to you. I was supposed to stay back in Ibadan, take the pictures of these packages and show it to the whole world but we are not running eye-service or the cosmetic government. What we are concerned about is to make dividends of this government get to the doorsteps of everyone.
Speaking on behalf of caretaker chairmen of the local governments and Local Council Development Areas in Ibarapa zone, Hon. Sarafadeen Olaoniye, appreciated Governor Makinde for prioritising the welfare of all residents of the state.
He added efforts of previous administrations in the state could not measure up to the standard created by the present administration, assuring that the relief packages would get to the people they are meant for.
