CROSS RIVER – The distribution of the federal government palliatives in Cross River State which is aimed to cushion the effect of the recent subsidy removal on Nigerians had several groups benefiting from it.
A recent reports of the ongoing distribution of 42 metric tons of grains through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) by the Cross River State government said the following groups of persons have taken delivery of the grains on behalf of their groups from the inception of the distribution exercise.
The groups so far, include the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE), Traditional Institution, National Association of Cross River State Students World-Wide (NACRISS-WW), Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs), Pensioners, Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
Truth Live news gathered that the palliatives sent by the Federal Government was part of President Tinubu’s Food Security Programme.
Government’s house press in a social media post on Wednesday reported that the Director-General of SEMA, Hon. Apostle James Anam, said the distribution exercise in the state was formally flagged-off by the Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, on July 13, 2024, in Calabar.
Also, added that the presentation of food items (grains) went to representatives from Cross River Northern Senatorial District for onward distribution to the Five LGAs and 54 wards in the district.
On Monday, 22nd July, the Northern Senatorial Distribution Committee that includes House of Assembly’s members, Commissioners and Community Relation Officers from the zone, at Ogoja LGA, took delivery of trucks of items.
Meanwhile, the SEMA DG has assured that the Central Senatorial District and Southern Senatorial District will take delivery of their items at Ikom and Calabar on Wednesday and Friday respectively.
According to the reports,Hon. Anam said the agency has set-up three centres and supervisory team per senatorial district and local government level to monitor the distribution exercise across the 18 LGA and 196 wards of the state.
He said this is “to ensure rural dwellers and other residents’ benefits from the food security programme of the Federal Government.”
Also, he called on the stakeholders and the supervisory team to exhibit high standard of be transparency by ensuring that food items get to those who actually needs them.
The DG warned that, “time for politics is over,” and that the food items must be shared beyond party lines.