Kehinde Fajobi
The Rivers State Government has commenced the distribution of presidential palliatives to flood-affected local governments and communities in the state.
On Tuesday, the State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, began the distribution process, which includes both residents and non-indigenes across the state’s 23 local government areas (LGAs).
Speaking during the exercise, Odu explained the inclusion of non-indigenes, stating that flood-affected communities had previously received assistance from the state government.
“We have given some to stakeholders. These were sent to the state for distribution. We have 2,700 bags of 50kg rice, 1,070 mosquito-treated nets, and 140 cartons of tomatoes.
“We are going to distribute it to the 23 local government areas and the non-indigenes. We intentionally included non-indigenes, so we are dividing everything by 24.
“We have provided palliatives to the flood-affected areas repeatedly. This time, we decided that it should go to everyone, and we want to ensure they receive it before Christmas.
“It has become a Christmas palliative for them. These are the presidential palliatives sent to the states,” she said.
Odu expressed hope that the palliatives would serve as a Christmas gift for the people.
The items received include 2,700 bags of 50kg rice, 1,070 treated mosquito nets, 140 cartons of tomatoes, and other essentials.