The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has revealed that each minister received 1,200 bags of rice as part of the government’s recent palliative measures.
The minister disclosed this in Ikoro-Ekiti, Ekiti State, during the distribution of rice to elderly constituents at the weekend.
The minister explained that the rice distribution is part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to address the current economic challenges facing Nigerians, particularly senior citizens.
“1,200 bags of rice were made available to me and each minister to further supplement the established channels of distribution,” Alake stated.
“We need to reach out to our aged fathers and mothers at times like this.
“This is because they do not have the strength to compete for welfare goods such as these at the established centres. We have taken their inventory and we are delivering to them.”
The minister also mentioned that future interventions would extend to other vulnerable groups, including widows, orphans, persons with disabilities, and students in higher education.
He urged members of the public and organizations to join the government’s efforts in alleviating hunger and poverty, stressing that government alone cannot meet all citizens’ needs.
“Those of you who are very familiar with me can attest to the fact that at every opportunity, especially at events like this, I have always canvassed that nowhere in the world can government alone meet the needs of its citizens.
“Hence, the need to encourage partnership with high net worth individuals, corporate organisations and non-governmental agencies to ensure the welfare of the citizens,” he said.
While praising President Tinubu for his responsiveness to citizens’ needs, Alake reiterated the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of senior citizens as part of its Renewed Hope Agenda.