State earmarks N10b to purchase grains, other food items
Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Radda, has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers during the month of Ramadan, for a quick end to the security challenges bedeviling the country.
In a Ramadan message, yesterday, Radda said supplication to the Almighty “is one major way” to see to the speedy end of banditry, terrorism, and related criminality in the country.
The governor also called on traders to uphold the principle of fairness and compassion, as well as avoid hoarding essential food items.
“During this sacred month, let us come together as a community to pray for peace and unity in our beloved state and nation. Let us earnestly supplicate for an end to banditry and other criminal activities that threaten the safety and well-being of our people.
“To our market men and women, I urge you to uphold the principles of fairness and compassion. Let us not succumb to greed or exploitation by hoarding or inflating the prices of essential food items and grains,” he said, admonishing them to fear God in their dealings.
IN the same vein, the state government has promised to procure grains and food items worth N10 billion for free distribution to the less-privileged and the elderly, ahead of the Ramadan fast.
This is contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Mohammed, at the weekend.
According to the statement, the state government, in partnership with the 34 local councils, will purchase grains worth N7 billion for distribution to the less privileged.
It added that another N3 billion would be used to procure food items, including 25-kilogramme bags of rice, to be distributed to the elderly, disabled and vulnerable members of society.
Radda reportedly confirmed these initiatives during the inauguration of committees at both state and local government levels to oversee the distribution process.
The statement added: “More than 33,000 vulnerable and elderly individuals across the 361 electoral wards within the state have been identified to receive free rice and stipends to support them in buying condiments.
“To ensure equitable access, the government has capped the purchase of grains at 10 measures per buyer, with each bag of maize, millet and guinea corn priced at N20,000 below the current market rate.”
Radda emphasised the importance of accountability in the distribution process, directing local council committees to remit proceeds from grain sales to the state committee for deposit into government accounts.
