..… assures of more FG-driven initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has commenced the distribution of about 4,000 bags of rice and fertilizers as palliatives to Kogi indigenes across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Performing the symbolic distribution of the palliatives on Saturday in Lokoja , the minister said the palliatives was in furtherance to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on food security and also part of the activities to commemorate his one year in office as the Honourable Minister of steel development.
According to him, the distribution of the items to vulnerable indigenes and eligible and genuine farmers is to ensure that all indigenes of the state benefit from the efforts of the Federal Government aimed at ameliorating the living conditions of the people in the face of the ongoing transformative agenda of President Tinubu.
Prince Audu , said that in fostering peace, and unity among indigenes of the state, under the leadership of the governor of the state, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the palliatives will be distributed across board.
He noted that the beneficiaries will also include those from the opposition parties, all ethnic and religious groups in the state, widows, traditional leaders and market women, among other groups across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“Today, I am here to distribute about 3,600 bags of rice and fertilisers across the 21 local government areas of Kogi states to ensure that all stakeholders in Kogi benefit from the palliatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President to ensure food security.
“And I want to thank all of you, the youths, for abstaining from the nationwide protests in Kogi State. It was a wonderful outcome, and I came here to thank all of you as we distribute these palliatives since you listened to your leaders, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and myself the Minister as we advised that you engage in dialogue rather than joining the protests. We would not let you down for giving us the benefit of the doubt.
“In the last one year, during my tenure as Honourable Minister, I have provided several succour to the people of Kogi State, including 50,000 Naira, in nano-business grants to 5,000 beneficiaries in Kogi State under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, meaning that 250 million naira was distributed to kogites. We distributed several palliatives earlier this year, and in addition to that, we are also doing more today” Prince Audu stated.
Aside the distribution of palliatives to cushion the present economic challenges in the Country, the Minister reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration to revive the moribund Ajaokuta Steel plant in Kogi State.
According to him, “We are working day and night to ensure that Ajaokuta steel plant comes back to life. We have discussed with various stakeholders to this effect. The Government has done rapid assessment on Ajaokuta Steel plant.
“Recently, some of you have seen Russian engineers who came to the Steel plant to assess the present State of things. It is all part of the revival process. At the end of the day, when we discuss with the various parties, the party that brings the best option will be considered, subject to the approval of Mr. President” the minister explained.
In his remarks , the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, thanked the Minister for the incentives, noting that it will go a long way in bringing succour to the people and prayed that Almighty Allah continue to protect the Minister and give him the wisdom to succeed.
Comrade Stephen Bala Jibrin, Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, described the gesture as very timely, expressing the appreciation of farmers in the state who are in need of fertilisers, especially in the planting season.
“As farmers, we express our heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognizing Kogi State. We thank the Minister because our association has been fully carried along as beneficiaries.
“The leadership of the association will ensure that the fertilisers get to farmers even at the grassroots. We have local government coordinators, ward coordinators, so we are going to channel the items through them for further distribution.
Miss Ruth Dada, a trader from Kogi, also thanked the Honourable Minister for remembering his own people and reaching out to them.
She said, “He knows there is hunger, and he has the heart of feelings for the masses by doing this, and we pray God will continue to promote him more and more. We also appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for remembering all the people.”
The Honourable Minister also bagged the Outstanding Personality from the Progressive Empowerment Project for Nigerian Women in recognition of his commitment towards reviving the steel industry as well as his dedication to uplifting the suffering of his people in the past year.
