A non governmental organisation, Asiwaju For All has commenced the distribution of 22,200 bags of rice to Nigerians at the grassroots in the six geo-political zones as part of an effort to reduce hunger in the land.
The National Coordinator of the program, Hon. Aminu Jaji, while addressing journalists during the flag off of the distribution of palliatives on Sunday in Abuja said the initiative was aimed at providing support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Jaji who was represented by Hon. Mansor Khalifa, said the distribution of the palliatives was targeted at vulnerable Nigerians in the seven states of the North-Central including Kogi, FCT, Benue, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau.
He assured that the distribution of the palliatives would be done through the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), as well as through Islamic leaders in the respective states to ensure that the palliatives get to the people at the grassroots.
Jaji stated: “This program as we are witnessing today is not only taking place here in Abuja, North-Central, it is equally taking place in six geo-political zones of the country.
“As I’m speaking to you, some of my colleagues in Kaduna are doing a similar flag off of the palliatives in the Northwest. And this palliative is aimed at targeting the teeming populace—the grassroot, so that they will feel belong, so that they will be carried along to ensure the dividends of democracy have come to their doorstep.”
Jaji noted that the palliatives would not be distributed during Christmas alone, adding that it would also be distributed during Ramadan and other festive periods.
He added: “We know North Central comprises of six states including Abuja. Each State is entitled to have one truck of rice. A truck of rice consists 600 bags of 50 kilogram rice. Each state is receiving one trailer each.”
On his part, Speaking in behalf of FCT CAN, Rev. Jonah Samson, said the programme was aimed at helping people who are incapacitated and languishing to ease their burden.
According to him, Let me begin by thanking God Almighty for receiving this item on behalf of the entire Christian community. Not only Christian community alone, but people are the grassroots, who are incapacitated those who cannot help themselves, those who are languishing to be able to reach out to them. So it’s a thing of joy.
The clergy described the gesture as a service to humanity and as part of the dividends of democracy, which a people ought to enjoy.
He added: “That’s why we are encouraged to support and also pray for each government. Government will come and go and people are always there. So any government that comes on board, ours is to pray for them and to encourage them to do justice and righteousness.”
Samson stressed that with the structure they have on ground, they would reach out to the leadership at various states and also connecting with the various coordinators that would nsure that justice is done.
Also, North Central Coordinator of the group, Mr. Zakari Angulu, said there was no doubt that the country needs this kind of organisation to reduce hunger in the country.