Politics Won’t Stop Food Support To Vulnerable Citizens, Oyetola Assures

Osun state governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said the food support scheme to the vulnerable will continue irrespective of the political intrigues introduced by the opposition.

The government disclosed that nothing would stop the initiative as it was committed to championing the welfare and general well-being of the people, particularly the vulnerable segment of the populace, saying the positive feedback received from the beneficiaries have justified its noble intent.

With the distribution of the 10th edition of the food support scheme, over 300,000 vulnerable households have now benefited directly.

Speaking with journalists at the open ground of the Local Government Service Commission, State Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo, Oyetola who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, said the scheme would continue till the end of his second term, if returned as governor.

He said responses from the beneficiaries had justified the noble intent of the government to run participatory and all-inclusive governance where democratic dividends would be seen and equally felt by the citizenry.

Oyetola said the scheme had in the last ten months of its inauguration, contributed to the economy of the State and the general welfare and well-being of the vulnerable citizens who are the direct beneficiaries.

“Sincerely speaking, the feedback has been quite encouraging. The people of the State have displayed high sense of appreciation to our wonderful work in the area of infrastructure development and especially in the area of food support. The feedback we are getting is a well-done job and they are appreciative of it.

“We are not unmindful of the local industries that are into food productions, for instance, last month, we distributed Ofada rice locally produced and sourced from our local farmers and by next month, we are looking at another local food that would be distributed to the vulnerable citizens.

“This is to encourage local entrepreneurs because our focus is to grow local productions, improve on our productivity and support agro-allied industries to grow for the overall development of our dear State”, he added.

Also, the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Hon. Lekan Badmus lauded the Governor for placing the scheme on his priority list.

Also, the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Hon. Lekan Badmus, lauded the Governor for placing the scheme on his priority list.

Badmus further disclosed that the market approach adopted to further strengthen the distribution of the foods had earned the government applause as beneficiaries were excited and prayed for its continuity.

“As we all know, during the official flag off of this Scheme, Mr. Governor actually mentioned that the programme will run throughout his tenure in office. And to actualise this, Mr Governor has actually shown capacity and genuineness, and you will agree with me that foods are being shared among the 30,000 vulnerable citizens in the State on monthly basis.

“We have actually reached out to over 50 markets in six Federal Constituencies in addition to the social register adopted for distribution and the feedback has been very encouraging as many of the beneficiaries have lauded the government on the initiative.

“In developing this further, Mr Governor has also emphasised on local contents which we have been doing and we are looking at the possibility of getting more local staple foods as part of efforts to boost the economy of the State, encourage local entrepreneurs and farmers in particular.

“Initially people were scared on how we are going to finance and sustain this, but Mr Governor has been able to show his financial prowess in ensuring that this has been successfully and it is my firm belief that this is going to be sustained for as long as we are in government”, he added.

In attendance were Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Industry and Empowerment, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Regional Integration; Special Duties, Mr. Samson Owoyokun and Coordinating Director, Ministry of Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr. Kunle Falode, among others.