Federal Government’s 50kg bags of rice for ₦40,000 is now available in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, for purchase by the residents.
Naijaonpoint reports that the subsidized rice sale is part of President Bola Tinubu government’s efforts to address the current economic and social issues following the removal of fuel subsidy in the country.
Launching the sale at a ceremony at the Arcade ground in the state capital, Governor Dapo Abiodun announced that his administration plans to start selling other subsidized food items in the twenty local government areas of the state.
He mentioned that rolling out the program throughout the state would expand its impact, stating that products such as garri, rice, and beans would be offered at significantly reduced prices.
“We will soon be implementing our own version of this scheme from each local government, meaning we will implement this across the twenty local government areas of the state to deepen the reach into our grassroots.
“We will be selling food items like garri, rice, and beans at heavily subsidised prices,” he said.
While acknowledging that both the federal and state governments agree that the cornerstone of sustainable growth is strategic planning rooted in inclusivity, openness, justice, and responsibility, the governor praised the state’s Chief Service Officer and his team for their excellent work.
Abiodun announced that the distribution will include various groups such as federal and state civil servants, private sector organizations, craftsmen, trade unions, NGOs, student groups, market vendors, community development groups, and religious and traditional groups.
He reassured the state’s citizens that the Head of Service’s office, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the NSA’s office had created a comprehensive plan to ensure the fair distribution of the product throughout the state’s 20 local government areas.
The governor mentioned that the launch of the subsidized rice sale in Abeokuta for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Ilaro for Ogun West Senatorial District, and Ijebu-Ode for Ogun East Senatorial District will begin immediately.
Governor Abiodun encouraged the recipients to uphold peace at the various distribution sites and adhere to the schedule provided by the committee to prevent overcrowding, also stating that more distribution sites will be set up.
“To ensure accountability, there will be no cash payments; payment will be made through Point of Sales (PoS) machines, and beneficiaries will undergo physical verification at the point of sale.
“No double registration will be allowed; NIN will be verified to ensure that we prevent any sharp practices.
“This distribution will be carried out transparently and fairly, ensuring that these palliatives reach those we have targeted,” he said.
He praised President Tinubu for his efforts, describing it as evidence of his dedication to addressing the problem of rising food prices, and mentioned that the president has demonstrated both ability and affection for the nation’s citizens.
He pointed out that if the government hadn’t opened up the market for selling and distributing fuel, the nation would have spent more than N11 trillion annually.
During his speech, the Service Chief, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, mentioned that the project is aimed at improving the living standards of the people by the Federal Government.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, who was there on behalf of Ayo Ajayi, praised the state for setting the standard for the sale of subsidized rice and mentioned that the federal government plans to adopt this model in other states.
Senator Kyari highlighted that the program, designed to offer relief to the populace, will significantly lower the cost of food items, explaining that it requires the verification of the National Identity Number (NIN) and the payment of N40,000 for 50 kilograms of subsidized rice, which can be done at an ATM.
In his speech, the chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners in the state, Chief Waheed Oloyede, lauded Governor Abiodun for his ongoing support in disbursing funds for pensioners’ gratuities, also recognizing the governor for being the first in the nation to embrace the Federal Government’s program.