On Thursday, Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun officially launched a program for the sale of subsidised rice, aiming to support residents amid rising food prices.

This initiative marks the beginning of a broader strategy by the state government to introduce subsidised food items across all twenty local government areas.

During the launch ceremony held at the Arcade Ground of the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun expressed his commitment to enhancing food security and accessibility for the people of Ogun State.

He emphasized that the initiative would not only cover rice but also include other essential food staples such as garri and beans, all offered at significantly reduced prices to make them affordable for residents.

Governor Abiodun explained that this new food distribution scheme would be rolled out at the grassroots level, with plans to implement it in every local government area, thereby ensuring that all communities benefit from the program.

He highlighted the importance of inclusivity in governance, stating that both the federal and state governments are dedicated to sustainable development through transparency, fairness, and accountability.

To facilitate the distribution process, the Governor noted that various groups would be prioritized, including civil servants from both federal and state levels, artisans, trade unions, non-governmental organizations, student bodies, market women, and community development associations.

This broad approach ensures that the initiative reaches diverse segments of the population, thereby maximizing its impact.

In collaboration with the Head of Service and the Ministry of Agriculture, the state government has developed a structured distribution plan designed to ensure that the subsidised food items are equitably spread across all twenty local government areas.

Governor Abiodun announced that the rice sale initiative would initially kick off in Abeokuta for the Ogun Central Senatorial District, followed by launches in Ilaro for the Ogun West Senatorial District and Ijebu-Ode for the Ogun East Senatorial District.

The Governor urged beneficiaries to maintain order during the sales process and adhere to a set timetable to prevent overcrowding.

He also mentioned that more sales points would be established to accommodate the anticipated demand.

To uphold transparency and prevent fraud, the payment for the subsidised items will be conducted via Point of Sales (PoS) machines, with a verification process in place to check the National Identification Number (NIN) of beneficiaries.

This rigorous procedure aims to eliminate any possibility of double registration or other fraudulent practices.

Prince Abiodun expressed his appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative, which he credited with demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to addressing food inflation.

He acknowledged the President’s proactive approach to economic challenges, noting that liberalizing the sale and distribution of petroleum products helped the country avoid incurring over N11 trillion in potential costs within a year.

Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the state’s Head of Service, highlighted the initiative’s significance in improving citizens’ livelihoods, reinforcing the idea that collaborative efforts between state and federal governments can yield substantial benefits for the populace.

Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, commended Ogun State for its effective distribution model.

He remarked that this template could serve as a model for other states, as the initiative seeks to alleviate the economic burden on citizens by reducing food prices.

He explained that beneficiaries would be required to verify their NIN and pay N40,000 for a 50-kilogram bag of rice through an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), ensuring a structured and organized process.

Chief Waheed Oloyede, the state chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, praised Governor Abiodun for his dedication to addressing the needs of pensioners in Ogun State.

He acknowledged the Governor’s prompt action in releasing funds for the payment of pension gratuities, underscoring his commitment to the welfare of the state’s elderly citizens.

As the program unfolds, the Ogun State government is committed to ensuring that the subsidised food items reach those who need them most, fostering a spirit of community and support amid challenging economic times.

Through this initiative, Governor Abiodun aims to bolster food security, enhance the quality of life for residents, and set a precedent for effective governance that prioritizes the needs of its people.