..As Information Commissioner Urges Evaluation Committee To follow-up
Emmanuel Onwusoro
AdoEkiti
The Ekiti State Government has assured the people that the distribution of the economic relief package to vulnerable persons in the state has no political undertone and would get to the targeted beneficiaries.
The State Commissioner for Agric and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, gave the assurance during the distribution of the first batch ,stage B palliative grains at the government house,Ado-Ekiti.
The Commissioner who is also the chairman,Palliative Distribution Commitee said the palliative grains delivered to the State were 3,000 bags, of which 18 bags were defective due to unloading, and the distributed grains were 2,982.
“The government is for everybody, devoid of colouration, let members of the Committee be there for the sake of accountability. Let it get to the proposed people, let it not stop at the local government level, let it go to the wards and from the wards to each household. Ten bags goes to each ward in Ekiti, and Ekiti has 177 wards”.
He also urged for documentation of the distribution, stressing that video evidence is necessary for accountability.
In an interview, the Commissioner for Information, Honourable Taiwo Olatubosun, said, ” the issue of palliative here in Ekiti is a continuous exercise, and it would continue in this manner. We have a plan to make life better for the people, and the governor is determined to ensure that we continue to promote that vision and mantra of shared prosperity.
“It is in that respect that we are here again today to share palliatives to the people through the local government representatives, which is the stage B of the first batch. Last week we told you that was the first tranche, and this is stage B of the first tranch we have brought.”
According to him, the Distribution Committee comprises members of Ekiti State Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the Muslim Society, adding that five committees from each ward will man the distribution.
Speaking on the follow-up and evaluation, he said, “we have the monitoring and evaluation committee, which is separate from the palliative distribution committee to ensure that the palliatives get to the beneficiaries.”
“The Chairman of the local government across the state are here with the lists, and we have their data, and they would assist the wards to convey this to the local government and Local Council Development, LCDAs when they get there, they would share to all the wards”.
Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria ALGON, Engr. Olabode Adetunji, who is also the Chairman, Efon Local Government Area, remarked, “we want this to reach the poorest of the poor. It is not a party thing; as long as you reside in Ekiti and among the vulnerable, you will get it.”
He also advised members of the Distribution Committee to be non-partisan in executing their responsibility, stressing that there will be the follow-up to ensure that names submitted get the palliatives.
Photos:
