Abiodun launches sale of subsidised FG rice in Ogun

From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta

The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has launched the sale of subsidised rice in the state. He made the disclosure at the official flag-off of the sale of rice at subsidised rates to residents of the state by the Federal Government, held at the Arcade Ground of the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Abiodun noted that the implementation of the scheme across the state would help deepen the reach of the initiative. He added that food items like garri, rice, and beans would be sold at largely subsidised prices.

He stated that the state would begin implementation of its own version of the FG’s scheme soon in each of the 20 local government areas in the state.

“We will be selling food items, such as garri, rice, and beans at heavily subsidised prices,” he stated.

The governor assured the people of the state that the office of the Head of Service and the Ministry of Agriculture, along with the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), have developed a well-structured template that would ensure a wide and equitable spread of the commodity across all the local government areas of the state.

“To ensure accountability, there will be no cash payments. Payment will be made through Point of Sales (PoS) machines, and beneficiaries will undergo physical verification at the point of sale.

The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative, which he said was a testament to his commitment to tackling the issue of food inflation, adding that the president has shown capacity and love for the people of the country.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who was represented by Mrs. Ayo Ajayi, commended the state for having the best template for the sale of the subsidised rice, adding that the Federal Government would be making use of the template in other states of the country.

The state chairman, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Waheed Oloyede, commended Governor Abiodun for the continuous release of funds for the settlement of the gratuities of pensioners in the state.