ASABA-Bight News gathered that the Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Communications, Dr. (Barrister) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has refuted that the two cups of rice per family alleged to have been shared in Ozoro town, is not part of the state government palliative arrangements for citizens.
Barr. Oghenesivbe in a statement made available to newsmen in Asaba, on Sunday 19th April 2020, disclosed that investigation revealed that some philanthropists in Ozoro axis of Isoko North Local Government Area, procured and shared rice to vulnerable people in their neighbourhood to cushion the effects of the stay at home order, adding that the beneficiaries ought to appreciate their benefactors, and not public display of ingratitude.
The Executive Assistant to the governor decried the video trending on social media wherein some women claimed to have received two cups of rice per family as palliatives from government, pointing out that the said video was a failed attempt by mischief makers to undermine the genuine efforts of government to bring succour to vulnerable citizens at this time.
Latimore said government palliatives; rice, beans, indomie, yam and other items were dispatched from the three food banks, (Asaba, Ibusa and Warri), in trailers and trucks to 25 local government councils headquarters, where they were sorted and moved to federal wards.
He further disclosed that sharing and delivery of foodstuffs to vulnerable individuals and families is ongoing and being handled by special local committees comprising; clergy men, community leaders and credible individuals.
“The state governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has put in place credible structures and distribution network from state to LGAs and to the federal Wards, such that palliatives cannot be diverted. The target is mainly vulnerable Deltans and government objectives must be achieved as planned.
“Vulnerable citizens in Ozoro and other parts of the state are captured in the distribution of palliatives but we are also aware that some philanthropists procured and shared food items including rice. The quantity shared per individual is uncertain but whatever the quantity that was shared, it is only fair for Ozoro beneficiaries to appreciate and thank their benefactors, and not to openly exhibit act of ungratefulness.
“Government palliatives far exceeds two cups of rice per vulnerable family. Distribution and delivery of foodstuffs to individuals and families is ongoing across the three senatorial districts. Furthermore, the food banks are going to be refilled with new stocks while cash donations are being received in Zenith, UBA and Sterling Banks. Donors can approach these banks to make their donations, any amount is accepted.
“Government will continue to do the needful to cushion the effects of the stay at home order while citizens are to obey the order meant to combat and prevent the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in the state.
“The Covid-19 palliatives local committees at LGA levels are also pulling resources together, to augment government supplies. Gov Okowa is working round the clock to ensure that foodstuffs gets to vulnerable Deltans unhindered, to cushion the effects of the stay at home order.
“It is very safe to assert that the public-private partnership is in good standing, and government will continue to provide palliatives to vulnerable Deltans within the lockdown period as planned,” Oghenesivbe assured.
