Hardship: FG, SEMA commence distribution of palliatives to households in Benue

From, Attah Ede, Makurdi

Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BESEMA), on Thursday, commenced distribution of the federal government palliatives comprising bags of rice, maize and other food items to people across the state to cushion the effect of hardship being experienced by people.

The Nations News Nigeriareports that the palliatives are expected to be extended to vulnerable households in the twenty three (23) local government areas of the state.

The federal government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), had deployed the relief items to the State to be distributed to various categories of beneficiaries in the State.

The Acting Executive Secretary of SEMA, James Iorpuu, while flagging off the distribution at the SEMA headquarters in Makurdi, said the vital food items are intended to reach the most vulnerable population such as widows, orphanage homes, the elderly (65 years and above), government schools, especially boarding schools, religious bodies, and the physically challenged across all the 276 Council wards of the state.

Iorpuu therefore announced that 17,940 bags of maize 50kg and 4,132 bags of Garri 25kg will be distributed to people with each council ward getting 65 bags of maize, and 15 bags of garri respectively.

According to him, the distribution plan is systematic organized to ensure that every local government receives its fair share, saying that the distribution will commence in Zone A today(Thursday), while Zone B will receive its palliatives on the 26th of July, 2024, and finally, Zone C on the 27th of July 2024.

“Each local government must adhere to its designated day and any local government that misses its turn will have to wait until the mop-up day on Sunday, the 28th of July 2024.

“As we move forward, I urge all Local Government Chairmen to maintain the highest levels of transparency in the distribution process.

“These palliatives are a lifeline for our most vulnerable citizens, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they are distributed fairly and efficiently.

“Let us work together with integrity and dedication to make this distribution a success, ensuring that the aid reaches those who need it the most,” sir Iorpuu noted.

Iorpuu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his keen interest to alleviate sufferings of the people and appreciated Governor Dr. Hyacinth lormem Alia, for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian intervention.

“Their leadership and compassionate disposition have been instrumental in ensuring that the needs of our people are met, especially during challenging times,” he added