By Emmanuel Enebeli
IBADAN/Nigeria: The Oyo State Government has lauded the Food distribution exercise conducted under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative, characterizing it as a “testing ground” that has presented its own set of challenges and achievements.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, emphasized that despite the hurdles faced during the operation, the exercise effectively reached the most vulnerable populations across all 33 local governments within the state, ultimately declaring it a success.
The initial phase of the SAfER program, which comprised just 25% of the total food distribution intended for the state’s poorest residents, faced difficulties as desperate individuals sought to exploit the situation. Commissioner Oyelade stated that going forward, stringent measures will be implemented to prevent such incidents and maintain control over the distribution process.
Notably, organizers found themselves overwhelmed in certain areas, particularly within the Ibadan zone, leading them to disperse the food items in their possession out of fear for their safety. Nevertheless, Prince Oyelade highlighted that the distribution proceeded according to plan in other regions of the state.
He further assured the public that the forthcoming phase of the program would be executed more effectively, emphasizing that food distribution is just one aspect of the comprehensive SAfER initiative. Transportation, healthcare insurance, food security, and agriculture also hold significant roles within the initiative.
Under the transportation component, 46 buses have been deployed, with 31 serving intra-city routes in Ibadan and the remaining operating in key towns across Oyo state at reduced fares. The program’s success prompted private transport operators to voice concerns about reduced government bus fares.
Additionally, the government’s plan to provide N500 million in loans to small and micro-entrepreneurs is progressing well, with a memorandum of understanding signed with seven microfinance banks across the state.
In the realm of healthcare, the SAfER Initiative has identified 50,000 pensioners eligible for enrollment in the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) free of charge. Furthermore, 100,000 vulnerable residents will receive free treatment under the same scheme.
Food security remains a priority, with the state government allocating N1 billion in loans for small-scale farmers and Youth Entrepreneurs and Agriculture businesses (YEAP), at N500 million each. Financial institutions and the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo state are facilitating the disbursement of these loans.
Commissioner Oyelade emphasized that these initiatives are part of the state government’s long-term poverty alleviation plans, designed for immediate impact. Governor Seyi Makinde has clarified that in Oyo state, they are not implementing a mere palliative plan but a more enduring SAfER plan.
Looking ahead to phase 2 of the Food distribution project, Governor Makinde has pledged to address the minor issues identified in certain areas.
It’s worth noting that while the state government awaits the full N5 billion promised by the Federal Government, Governor Makinde has already allocated over N8 billion, including N2.6 billion from the 33 local governments, to cover the expenses of the SAfER initiative. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation recalled Governor Makinde’s commitment to keeping the people of Oyo State well-informed about the allocation and utilization of the N5 billion from the Federal Government.
