Palliative: Osogi Flags off distribution of food items, Cash disbursement in Abi

Hon. Moses Osogi, Commissioner for Environment, Handing over cash to Ward Representatives during the flag off

By: Sylvia Okoi

CALABAR — In a conscientious effort to cushion the effect of the current economic realities in the country, the Cross River State Commissioner for Environment , Hon. Moses Osogi has flagged off the distribution of the Federal Government Palliative in Anong-Bahumono communities in Abi Local Government Area.

Speaking at the flag off exercise, Hon. Moses Osogi declared that the palliative was targeted at providing succor to rural dwellers admist the economic hardship.

In his words, " The palliatives provided here today is absolutely to cushion the effect of hardship in the land. Cross River State is an exceptional State in Nigeria, the Governor gave an order to Commissioners , House of Assembly Members and all stakeholders to ensure transparency in the distribution process and that's why I'm physically present to ensure adequate and equitable distribution."

Affirming Governor Bassey Edet Otu's magnanimity and also assuring his people of better days ahead, Osogi stated that the government is People oriented and steadily putting up measures aimed at alleviating all forms of sufferings.

He called on Abi residents to shun all acts of violence and demonstrate their maximum cooperation to government so as to enable it to implement its laudable programmes that would transform them socio-economically.

While also admonishing them to stay clear from all manner of planned protests, he cautioned them against the devastating impact of protest Endsars which according to him slowed down developmental strides in the state.

He further warned against stealing, hurding and selling of palliative, threatening that anyone who indulges in corrupt practices during the process in Abi would be prosecuted.

In the same vein, the Honorable Member representing Abi constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. David Ettah thanked the Federal Government for providing palliative in acknowledgment of the current economic challenges, Informing that long term measures are being put in place to bring about economic stability .

The Deputy Leader of CRSHA, stated that Governor Bassey Edet Otu has promptly disbursed the palliative as received from the Federal Government, with a charge to leaders of Local Government to accompany an effective process for grassrooters.

Also speaking, the Community Relations Officer (CRO) Abi L.G.A Mr. Collins Enyi who admitted taking delivery of the items from Calabar to Abi spoke in cognisance of the good will of the present administration calling for more cooperation from grassrooters, pointing out that the Government has better plans for the citizens. On the distribution formula, he added that the items will be shared in equal proportion across the various council wards.

Highpoint of the event was the symbolic handing over of palliative items which comprised 740 bags of 10kg of rice, 60 bags of 25kg of rice, 100 bags of 10kg of garri and 100 bags of 10kg of beans and five hundred thousand Naira only to the various representatives of the 10 (ten) Council Wards in Abi L.G.A

Remarkably, Homage was paid to His Royal Highness Ovai Godspower Amos Elemi Eni, Clan head of Anong - Bahamono for traditional blessings before the commencement of the distribution.

Those who witnessed the ceremony were the Chapter Chairman, APC Abi L.G.A, Pastor Joshua Ikpoke, Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government Affairs, Hon. John Iteh, Special Adviser to the Governor on Utility Mr. Jerome Egbe , other Stakeholders and Community Members