The Federal Government has flagged off the sale of the subsidized 50kg rice at N40,000.
The sale took off in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Thursday.
Speaking at the ceremony to signify the flag-off of the sale, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who was represented by Mrs. Toyin Ayo-Ajayi, the ministry’s State Director, said it was “one of the numerous programmes initiated to bring succour and relief to Nigerians.”
The minister said the distribution was being monitored by several federal government agencies to ensure transparency, fairness and adequate security.
Kyari stated that the government had put measures in place to ensure that the rice got to the intended beneficiaries.
He said all that was needed was an individual’s National Identification Number (NIN) and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card to buy 50kg of rice at N40,000.
The minister said, “However, I want to specifically applaud Governor Dapo Abiodun for his commitment to the welfare of the citizens of the state.
“Ogun is one of the first set of states in Nigeria to enjoy the benefit and this can be attributed to the governor’s tenacity and visionary leadership.
“Ogun has one of the most organized templates ensuring that this gets to the three Senatorial districts of the state and all at the grassroots.”
Kyari urged citizens of the state to support the government to make sure that all the efforts by different levels of government were appreciated.
In his address, Governor Abiodun noted that the government’s initiative testified to his commitment to ensuring he tackled the issue of food inflation and also improved the people’s livelihood.
He thanked the president for his unwavering dedication to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for citizens.
The governor said, “This is especially in the light of the present economic realities facing the nation. The government has shown responsiveness and thoughtfulness.
“This is appreciated and welcomed, particularly following the removal of petroleum subsidy, as this will go a long way in cushioning the impact of the subsidy removal.”
