VAM News Update

Ondo State Government has given an update on measures to further cushion the effects of Petroleum Subsidy Removal.

The Government according to plans will commence the distribution of food items from September, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, State Commissioner for Information and Orientation in a press statement on Tuesday, disclosed that the Palliative Committee met on Monday, adding that there was a review of its implementation strategy and distribution plan.

According to her, the Committee members arrived at several conclusions at the meeting with the commitment to fair and equitable distribution of the palliative.

“On social intervention for pensioners – starting this August as earlier promised, pensioners will get their N10,000 paid at the same time they are getting their salaries. Also, vulnerable people in our communities will start getting their N10,000 from the first week of September. For Public servants, the outstanding leave bonus for 2020 will be paid along with their salaries this month, she said.

The Government further acknowledged the challenges on food supply, adding that the number of bags of rice gotten from the Federal government was way below what was promised.

The Commissioner, however disclosed that the Federal government has monetized the value of the rice.

“As a result, we are getting vendors to supply us food items to meet our projections. Supply of these products and their packaging into smaller bags will take time.

However, we will save time using a rolling plan. Our plan will roll out these items in batches by Senatorial District, for efficient distribution and monitoring. We expect to begin the distribution of food items by September 1st.

“The roadshow to empower small and medium scale enterprises will begin next week. During this time, our officials will meet business owners in where they operate and give them grants in line with their size and output.

“Our plan for the provision of farm inputs to farmers will also start next week. On transportation, the plan for school buses and boats is in top gear. We are confident we will be ready by the time school starts.

“Once again, we reiterate that we feel your pain, we are in this together, and we will get through this testy phase of our nation’s path to greatness. On the palliative measures we have planned, we are committed to equitable distribution and transparent conduct, as we seek to mitigate the current hardship,” the statement read.