The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced the distribution of 12,000 bags of rice and maize to vulnerable households across the six Area Councils of the FCT. The distribution of these food items began on Monday in Kwali, Kuje, and Abaji Area Councils and will continue for two days.
Bitrus Garki, the Secretary of Area Council Services Secretariat, speaking on behalf of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, explained that this initiative is part of the FCTA’s efforts to distribute palliatives to vulnerable residents. Each Area Council will receive a minimum of 2000 bags of rice and maize.
“About two weeks ago, the FCT Administration organised an event where some of the food items were distributed to various groups, including Area Councils, representatives of Chiefdoms, religious organisations, civil servants, and vulnerable groups,” Garki said. “The feedback we received from that exercise was incredibly encouraging, which is why we are expanding the distribution today. We are gathering here to carry on with this noble gesture, aligning it with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which aims to instill hope for a better future for all Nigerians. Under this phase of the distribution, we are bringing the items closer to the people, ensuring direct outreach to the vulnerable groups, taking place simultaneously in all the six Area Councils of the FCT.”
The Secretary urged the beneficiaries to utilize the items for the betterment of their families and advised them against selling the items, emphasizing that the gesture was meant to provide sustenance during these challenging times. This initiative is an integral part of the Federal Government’s approach to mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy, which unfortunately has resulted in increased market prices.
Similar messages were conveyed in Kuje and Abaji Area Councils, where the Secretaries of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Social Development Secretariats spoke. The Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chia, commended President Tinubu and FCT Minister Wike for their support and promised to ensure an equitable distribution of the palliatives to the target beneficiaries.
In line with Chia, Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo, the Kuje counterpart, assured that the food items would reach every vulnerable person in his Council. Sabo highlighted the Council’s integrity and honesty and pledged to ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive the items that are meant for them. He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and FCT Minister Wike for the items, lamenting that Kuje, despite having the largest landmass in the FCT, has been unable to tap into its agricultural potentials due to ongoing insecurity.
VON spoke to beneficiaries at the three Area Councils, who also commended President Tinubu and FCT Minister Wike for the palliatives. Philip Maikasuwa, a leader of disabled persons in Kuje, appealed for consideration for gainful employment, while Rashidat Tauheed, a graduate of FCT College of Education, expressed gratitude on behalf of disabled persons and also appealed to be gainfully employed.
