Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has directed Chairmen of Local Government councils and Local Council Development Areas in the state to mobilize and distribute food items to citizens in their respective council areas.
A statement on Friday by the Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode said the sum was to cushion the effect of the current economic situation in the country.
The distribution of the food items, according to the Governor, would complement the various palliative measures put in place by the state government in the short term.
Governor Oyebanji charged the councils to invest in agriculture as a way of forestalling future food crisis.
The governor who gave the directive during a meeting with the local government chairmen and officials of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs in Ado- Ekiti on Tuesday, has also approved the release of the sum of N331 million naira for the purchase of rice.
He stressed that 25 bags of rice should be given to each ward in all the local councils.
The Governor however cautioned that the food distribution should not be done on partisan basis, but given out to the people through recognised community development associations.
The Governor also implored the chairmen to focus more on policies and programmes that reduce the current social and economic tensions.
While assuring the people that his government would continue to prioritize the welfare and wellbeing of residents of the state, the Governor said President Bola Tinubu is committed to improving the socio-economic condition of the country.
He therefore urged them to remain optimistic that the policies of the Federal government would achieve the aim of improving the country’s economy and fostering national development.