In an attempt to further cushion the effect of the lockdown order in Kano state, particularly as it affects the poorest of the poor in the society, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje launched the second batch of the distribution of palliative for 50,000 households.
This was launched for Bichi Emirate, at Farm Centre, Kano, when Makaman Bichi, the District Head of Tofa, Isyaku Umar Tofa represented the Emir of Bichi Nasiru Ado Bayero, at the occasion.
While the third batch would be launched for other Emirates different from Kano and Bichi Emirates, as the distribution guideline provides.
Governor Ganduje said ” We are lucky we have people of high integrity in this Committee, that are responsible for the distribution of the palliatives. These are people who are honest, dependable and trustworthy. As such we are not entertaining any fear in the distribution system.”
After explaining that the Committee that was named and called Kano Fund Raising Committee, that it also doubles to be a Palliative Distribution Committee that distributes all the items meant for distribution to the poorest of the poor and vulnerable in the state.
“We are calling on people to continue observing all the protocols as provided by our health experts, so that we can have a common platform in fighting the menace of the COVID-19 in the state and at the national level, which snowballs to be impactful at the global arena,” says governor Ganduje.
He commended the Chairman of the Committee and all his members for their unrelenting commitment and zeal in what they do, “…they do this diligently with all desired commitment because of the special love they have for the state and humanity. This is commendable in all respects.”
Chairman of the Committee, Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello discloses that, “Today’s event Your Excellency is for Bichi Zone. We are putting together our palliatives with that of the federal government. In this exercise we have 6,000 bags of 50kg from the federal government and 3,000 bags from the state.”
When the millet received from the federal government wouldn’t be enough, according to the Chairman, the state complemented with what the governor approved. Explaining that, “A total of N170 Million was given by the state to complement other things.”
While federal government gave 2,000 of 20 litres then state, he explained helped with 40,000 litres “…and the state gave the sum of N100 Million that would be used to distribute to the beneficiaries.”
Prof. Bello disclosed that governor directed the committee to start making preparation for the 3rd batch of the distribution. Which would be taken to another zone (Emirate).
“Today is for the 8 local governments under Bichi Emirate. And Your Excellency we are finishing this batch within three days. Other Emirates would be considered in the forthcoming batches.”
He further assured that, “While we learned that some states have allegedly returned many bags of rice given through the federal government intervention, in Kano state all the bags of rice we received from the federal government are good. In fact the expiry date of some of the bags is 2023.”
“I want use this opportunity to dispel all rumours that our items for the palliatives are destroyed by the rainfall. This is not true and the rumour is baseless without an iota of truth whatsoever,” he challenged.
Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero, through his representative, the District Head of Tofa and Makaman Bichi, Isyaku Umar Tofa, said “We said, to our people, without fear of mincing words that, we must cooperate with the state government and see to the end of this pandemic.”
“That is why we are using all our District Heads, Village Heads, Ward Heads and Imams in creating awareness on COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that, this is a fight for all of us. All hands must be on deck to achieve the desired goals,” he assured.
Mallam Abba Anwar
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kano State
Thursday, 28th May, 2020
[email protected]
