In a bid to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on its citizens, the Isoko North Local Government has commenced the distribution of the first tranche of palliatives provided by the Delta State Government over the weekend.
Supervised by Dr. Barr. Paul Oweh, the Isoko North coordinator of the project, this initiative aimed to ensure equitable distribution to the 20 wards within the local government.
A total of 696 bags of rice were transported in mini-trucks to Dr. Oweh’s residence in Emevor, where they will be distributed among the wards.
Dr. Oweh expressed his gratitude to the government of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for launching this initiative and assuring that the items would be promptly passed on to ward coordinators for immediate distribution to the people.
Dr. Oweh highlighted that the State Palliatives Committee had earlier provided a distribution template to the local councils, which was subsequently shared with the ward coordinators for compliance. Each of the 20 wards in the LGA is set to receive 33 bags of 50kg rice in this first tranche, with more items expected in subsequent distributions.
The distribution strategy prioritizes the heavily impacted individuals, including Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) and widows, while also benefiting poor and vulnerable households, as well as the elderly.
Dr. Oweh spoke on behalf of the Isoko people, expressing gratitude to the Governor and promising proper accountability. He stated, “On behalf of Isoko people, I thank our dear Governor for this gesture. The people of Isoko North are happy to receive these items. Even as we hope for more to come, I am assuring the state government and the people of Isoko North of proper accountability, as the ward coordinators are persons of trusted character.”
Chief Frank Ozue, the Vice Chairman of Isoko North, also extended thanks to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the initiative and assured that the palliatives would be distributed fairly and put to good use by the people.
He declared, “We thank His Excellency, the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for this kind initiative. The palliatives have come at the right time. I want to assure that the rice and every other item to be supplied would be distributed equally to the 20 LGAs. Everything will be put to good use to the benefit of all.”
Comrade Palmer Ogheneyole, Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on New Media, who monitored the exercise in Isoko North, emphasized that these items are meant for all Deltans, regardless of party affiliation, religion, ethnicity, or creed.
He urged ward coordinators to strictly adhere to the distribution guidelines, highlighting that Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s policy focus is always to prioritize the interests of Deltans above all else.
Ogheneyole stated, “This initiative is in line with the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s policy thrust of putting the interest of Deltans ahead of any other consideration. The Governor has consistently stated that he is a Governor for all and that his policies and programmes will, at all times, positively impact Deltans in one way or the other.”
“In view of the foregoing, I am stating here emphatically that no one should be exempted from these deliveries on the grounds of party affiliation. The palliatives are for all Deltans, and every coordinator from the state to the unit must follow the already designed distribution template for optimum delivery.”
