Ekiti Begins Second Phase Of Palliative Distribution

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Friday flagged off the second phase of the distribution of palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy to residents of the state.

This was coming two weeks after it commenced the transfer of N5,000 monthly to indigent citizens in the state.

Speaking during the flag-off in Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji who noted that a year has gone by in the life of his administration, promised that the remaining years will be better in terms of greater economic prosperity, infrastructural development and improved standards of living of the populace.

He said, “But if our government is doing something you don’t like, kindly tell us, we are not infallible. Tell the political appointees or elected people in your constituencies, they will tell us, so that we can correct ourselves. You are the one who voted for me, you are the boss and not me.”

The Governor declared that the consumables, comprising rice and maize, to be distributed in the second phase, were provided by the Federal and state governments to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal.

Oyebanji said, “I have told you that I will always lead you with truth. Our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent some palliatives to you and we bought some to be able to go round. It is a partnership between the federal and state governments.

“These palliatives are for the poorest of the poor and whoever can take three square meals daily without stress should please resist the temptation of taking from these palliatives. It is for those who can’t afford that.”

Reeling out programmes he had initiated to make lives easier for the populace after subsidy removal, the Governor added “The state government is now running a free transport system to support our teachers and civil servants.

“We have also begun the distribution of N5,000 stipend to some poor masses, they will receive this for three months, just to reduce the current pressure. All these are just palliatives pending the time we will take concrete measures to address the current situation.”