The Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Prof Anthony Owan-Eno, has announced that the state has secured an additional N500 million for the palliatives committee. This funding will be used to purchase more essential items aimed at alleviating the challenges brought about, in part, by the removal of the petroleum subsidy.
In a press statement, Owan-Eno detailed the distribution of bags of rice to various groups, as follows: Students (1000 bags), Religious Groups (800 bags), Traditional Rulers (400 bags), Trade Unions (300 bags), Labour Unions (800 bags), Civil Servants (800 bags), and Persons Living With Disabilities (200 bags).
Furthermore, distribution will be carried out to Motherless Babies Homes (200 bags), IDPs (800 bags), Refugees (800 bags), Pensioners (800 bags), Support Groups/IPAC (1100 bags), Security (500 bags), and the National Youth Council (100 bags).
The Director General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ogeyi Odey, confirmed that the Agency has received the commodities and distribution is set to commence in all parts of the state next week. She explained that SEMA has a plan to cover all 18 LGAs and that any group not presently included in the approved list will be considered in the near future.
Odey also assured that the state’s warehouses, which were damaged during the EndSARS protests in 2020, have been reinforced with sturdy iron doors to safeguard the supplies. She firmly denied any pressure from government officials, the ruling APC party, traditional leaders, or politicians to divert the palliatives, emphasizing that she follows instructions from the State Governor and that the Governor has already provided guidance on the distribution process. Any groups not currently included can approach the Governor, who will then advise her accordingly.