From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has disclosed a plan to inaugurate a state committee on food security in response to the increasing economic hardship facing residents of the state.
A statement by the government spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday, disclosed that the committee would be inaugurated during the week.
He stated that the committee to champion the course are representatives of civil society groups, youth organizations, farmers’ associations, security agencies, religious groups, market associations, and relevant commissioners to be led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Dr Bashiru Salami.
He disclosed that the committee is to work on farm security for food production, expand farming activities through state incentives, track foodstuff marketing and pricing, review operations of ongoing palliatives measures with a view to improvement if any, and recommend immediate actions to further relieve the suffering of the populace.
Rasheed noted that Governor Adeleke at a meeting with the association of Osun indigenes residents in Bayelsa state said his administration has daily been introducing one measure or the other to cushion the effect of the current crisis.
“Our government is built mainly on the welfare of the people. We just launched the distribution of cash grants to almost 20,000 very poor segments of our population. Another 60,000 is being enrolled for ATM cards.
“I have directed the Commissioner for Transport to ensure efficient working of the Imole Bus Service. Before new buses arrive, we must make judicious use of the refurbished buses to ply key routes where the services are needed.
“I have instructed key commissioners to review their service delivery to respond to the current needs and challenges of the people. The people must be regularly consulted and carried along on policy decisions and implementation,” Adeleke said.