ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government have started the distribution of food items from its food bank to Local government Areas and Federal Wards in the state to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 Lockdown in the state.
The distribution of the food items, as gathered by Ndokwa Reporters started moving to the local governments very early on Friday, April 17, 2018, with consideration giving to local governments away from the state capital.
However, the Middle class citizens, financially stable individuals and monthly salary earners in both public and private sectors in State, are excluded from receiving state government foodstuffs as palliative to cushion the effects of Lockdown and stay at home order.
Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications, Dr (Barrister) Fred Oghenesive made the clarification while speaking at Crown FM Radio’s ‘Ogbonge Country People’ live programme on Friday, 2020 in Asaba, the state capital.
He said government focus is on those who depend solely on daily income, the vulnerable especially; Artisans, the aged, motherless babies homes, Keke Riders, unemployed youths and poor physically challenged persons, adding that those charged with the responsibility of sharing the palliatives will adhere strictly to the Governor’s instructions.
He debunked the rumours making the round that the Sapele women protest compelled government to release palliatives, pointing out that the state food bank was set up long before the protest.
He appealed to Deltans to ignore such baseless misinformation fabricated by some misguided persons to create disaffection between government and the people, between leaders and the led.
“The delay in getting palliatives to the people was not deliberate on the part of government, rather it was as a result of general scarcity of food items in the open market outside the state; because some States were also procuring and pilling up foodstuffs for their people as a result of Covid-19 Lockdown or in preparation for lockdown.
“The unforeseen intervals between demand and supply accounted for the delay in getting the palliatives to Deltans early enough. We all know market trends in a typical situation where demand is significantly above supply.
The governor worked round the clock, had sleepless nights to get enough stocks for the state food bank, and it is only fair that we appreciate his genuine concerns for the wellbeing of Deltans.
“Secondly, His Excellency the Governor insisted that the food bank must be well stocked to go round the 25 local government areas before commencement of distribution.
“The steps taken by the Governor is commendable because it would have amounted to partiality and favouritism if foodstuffs were sent to some LGAs and leave out others with the flimsy excuse that government could not procure enough to go round.
“Yesterday, the Governor again went round the food bank and was satisfied with what we have on ground. He thereafter gave firm orders that the distribution should commence today 17th April. The food banks in Asaba, Ibusa and Warri have been unlocked and distribution of foodstuffs, especially Rice, Beans Indomie among others, is ongoing.
“Foodstuffs in trucks arrived the local government councils today and have been moved to all federal wards for prompt distribution and sharing to Deltans captured in the social strata template.
“Citizens in the state are advised to strictly adhere to the stay at home order, maintain social distancing, wash hands frequently with soap and running water; use alcohol based sanitizers and report cases of constant coughing, sneezing and difficulties in breathing, to Covid-19 health facilities nearest to them,” Oghenesivbe added.
