On a recent Thursday, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the commencement of sales of federally subsidized rice, marking a significant step in addressing food inflation in the region. During a ceremony held at the Arcade Ground of the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, the governor emphasized that his administration plans to extend the sale of various other subsidized food articles to the 20 local governments across Ogun State. Abiodun underscored the importance of this initiative in reaching the grassroots, as it seeks to provide essential food items such as garri, beans, and rice at highly subsidized prices to the citizens of Ogun State.
The governor detailed a comprehensive strategy that aims to engage a wide array of community groups and constituencies. According to Abiodun, the initiative is not merely about distributing food but is also a part of a broader approach to sustainable development that hinges on inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability. He praised the efforts of the state’s Head of Service and their team for laying the groundwork for a fair distribution process. Enrollment in the subsidized program will encompass various sectors, including civil servants, artisans, NGOs, market women, students, and religious organizations, ensuring a wide reach within the community.
To guarantee the effective distribution of the subsidized rice, the governor announced that sales would be initiated from specific locations across the state, namely Abeokuta for the Ogun Central Senatorial District, Ilaro for Ogun West, and Ijebu-Ode for Ogun East. Governor Abiodun urged beneficiaries to adhere to the established sales timetable and maintain order at the sales points, highlighting the importance of a disciplined approach to the distribution to avoid chaos and ensure fairness. Point-of-Sale (PoS) systems will be utilized for transactions, which will eliminate cash payments and allow physical verification of beneficiaries to prevent possible fraud or double registration.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to accountability, Governor Abiodun mentioned that the initiative would incorporate stringent measures to verify the National Identity Number (NIN) of beneficiaries to curtail fraudulent activities. The governor stressed the importance of a transparent execution of the program, aimed at delivering the subsidized commodities to the targeted demographic effectively and equitably. The structured distribution plan is anticipated to foster an environment of trust among the citizens regarding the benefits they receive from the government.
Governor Abiodun lauded President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to combating food insecurity and price inflation, attributing the launch of the rice subsidy initiative to the administration’s strategic foresight in addressing these pressing concerns. He noted that without the liberalization of petroleum product sales, Nigeria would have faced exorbitant costs, estimating potential losses of over N11 trillion annually. Abiodun’s recognition of the federal initiative expresses a collaborative effort aimed not only at immediate relief from food inflation but also seeks to define a model for future interventions across the country.
In addition, various key stakeholders echoed support for the program. The Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, emphasized that the federal initiative is a concerted move toward improving citizens’ livelihoods. Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Mrs. Ayo Ajayi, commended Ogun State’s strategic planning and methodology for implementing the subsidized rice sale, indicating that this exemplary model would be adopted in other states across the nation. The message from the state chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Waheed Oloyede, further affirmed the governor’s efforts in supporting retirees and highlighted the importance of the ongoing financial alleviation initiatives through the consistent release of funds for pension arrears. Together, these elements point to a comprehensive framework aimed at improving the standard of living for Ogun State residents and beyond.
