The Delta State Government has announced the receipt of over 13,000 bags of 50kg rice out of the designated 17,000 bags allocated by the federal government.
Kingsley Emu, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the State Steering Committee for Palliative Distribution, made this disclosure in Asaba on Monday.
He further revealed that an additional 16,000 bags of grains from the federal government were expected to arrive in the state shortly.
The distribution of the food items is slated to commence in 500 wards across Delta State, aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of the fuel subsidy removal on the state’s citizens.
Emu added that the distribution would encompass all 25 local government areas within the state.
The distribution strategy involves allocating 40% of the food items and fertilisers at the ward level, with an additional 20% allocated to needy and vulnerable households. Furthermore, 25% of the state’s intervention will benefit widows and individuals with disabilities, with an extra 10% designated for urban wards and a 5% contingency reserve for local government areas.
Emu highlighted the committee’s commitment to utilising the state’s approved Social Register, following the World Bank poverty mapping model.
He noted that Delta State was the first to register widows, which is part of the federal government’s social register.
The state has already initiated palliative efforts, including the disbursement of N5.522 billion for promotion areas, a three-month N10,000 payment to over 50,000 public servants, the recruitment of 2,000 primary school teachers, and a rotational working days scheme for salary grade levels 1-14, while higher levels are granted flexibility in choosing their working days.
Similarly, a N40 billion pension payment for local government workers is in progress.
