Succour has come the way of some less-privileged people in Anambra State as the Federal Government distributed bags of rice, gas cylinders, POS machines, and other palliative materials to them.
The distribution exercise took place at the Ndi Ichie Hall, Umudioka Village, Awka in Awka South local government area of the state on Wednesday.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, while presenting the government palliatives to the beneficiaries, reassured the people of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to their welfare and security.
The palliatives included 5,000 10kg bags of rice, over 500 bags of fertilizers, 500 PoS machines, and 300 pieces of gas cylinders donated by Chief Executive Officer, Smart Gas, Yinka Okpeke.
The Minister stated that the era of diversion of palliatives was over, adding that it was the reason she decided to be physically present to ensure the items got to the targeted beneficiaries.
She said: “My appointment was divinely orchestrated. I didn’t contest nor pay for it. I have offered myself to serve my people with all my heart. If they’re satisfied.
“Mr President, who found me worthy has insisted that the poor must have a breath of fresh air. After October 15, we’ll be launching our Integrity Ambassador and Brigade with the backing of the army.
“I’ve also been empowered with a mobile court to fight bad eggs in society to ensure those things that were done wrong in the past were done right.
“If you feel you can be part of this fight but don’t have the money, you can join the Brigade while the wealthy will be funding it through the Ambassador.”
The minister promised further incentives in the coming days, including cash loans and agricultural inputs, among others.
“You’ll be getting text messages, requesting your BVN. Don’t be afraid to supply the same as nobody will defraud you. Students and graduates are also captured but must produce evidence.
“I decided to be physically present to ensure these items from Mr President are adequately distributed. The era of diversion is over. I monitored the entire process, all to ensure that nobody was cheated. Everything is transparent.
“Those who are absent and those with red caps are not qualified for these palliatives. We must learn to do things right.
“Just manage whatever you have. We appreciate the hardship you’re going through but I assure you that it won’t be long. Be patient with the President because he met rot and it will take a while to clear the mess,” she added.
The donor of the gas cylinders, Okpeke said her decision to partner with the Women Affairs Ministry was informed by the hardship women were being subjected to, saying the gesture would go a long way in cushioning the sufferings.
She said, ”We want to see how we can help our women who are homemakers so they don’t suffer going inside the bush looking for firewood.”
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ify Obinabo praised the minister for her efforts targeted at improving the lots of women and children in the state.
“Today, we’re here to welcome the working minister to Anambra. You’re representing us well and we’re proud of you. We, the women will continue to support you,” she said.
State Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Basil Ejidike thanked President Tinubu for choosing Anambra’s daughter as minister.
“Umudioka, you’re very lucky to have produced a minister who has not only been standing on truth and justice but doesn’t discriminate. If she’s not doing well, we the party members wouldn’t have been here. She’s made a difference in the Ministry,” he said.
