Kaduna begins distribution of N11.4bn worth of palliatives to vulnerable residents

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, has flagged off the second phase of the distribution of food items to vulnerable residents in the state.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Monday in Kaduna, Sani said N3.4 billion worth of rice and maize will be distributed.

The governor said N11.4 billion worth of palliatives will be disbursed to households, businesses, and workers in the state to alleviate their suffering.

“We shall continue to take all necessary measures to bring succour to the poor and vulnerable in our state,” the governor said.

“In the next two months, we shall commence the implementation of the third phase of our palliatives programme. It’s a full package.

“Today we are commencing the distribution of 128 trucks of rice and maize worth N3.4 billion to the poor, vulnerable, and underserved citizens of Kaduna State.

“We are targeting 200,000 households, approximately 1,000,000 persons.”

The governor said the state government has commenced the release of grants to 7,500 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He said the businesses are receiving between N100,000 and N1 million, depending on the size of the enterprise.

Sani said N4.2 billion has been earmarked for the distribution of cash grants, fertilizer, and farm inputs to smallholder farmers, MSMESs, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), orphans, market women, and youths.

He added that N3.3 billion has been released for the payment of pensions and gratuities, as well as death benefits to families of deceased civil servants.

The governor said 9,800 poor and vulnerable households, including over 1,000 persons with disabilities, have begun receiving N50,000 each.

He also unveiled N500 million revolving loan scheme for civil servants in the state, noting that some of them have begun receiving money.

Sani warned government officials against diverting the palliatives, adding that those found culpable would be punished.