ORUMBA NORTH TC CHAIRMAN LAUDS GOV. SOLUDO ON RICE DISTRIBUTION
By Chioma Ezeiru / Charity Okechukwu :
Orumba North Transition Committee Chairman, Sir Ogochukwu Ekwueme has lauded Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his impactful palliative measures to the people of Anambra State especially the vulnerable and less privileged.
Sir Ekwueme, who made the commendation in an interview with information officers at the local government secretariat, Ajalli, said that Gov. Charles Soludo is God sent to the people of Anambra State especially at this critical time.
The Orumba North TC Chairman noted that “It is worthy of emulation that at this difficult time across the country, the Anambra State governor, Professor Charles Soludo, in his kind and humane nature, has approved the distribution of about 200,000 bags of 10kg rice to the poorest of the poor across the length and breadth of the state to help cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
“We give kudos to the governor. In Orumba North, we have received about 7,500 bags of rice already and still expecting the remaining 2000 bags before we begin distribution to various wards and communities. And we will not distribute them until we have the list of recipients from the various wards, which we will vet and ensure that the rice gets to only those it is actually meant for,” he added.
Sir Ekwueme also stated that measures have been put in place by his leadership to avoid irregularities and ensure transparent and appropriate disbursement of the palliative.
“Due to our experience in the coconut and palm tree seedlings disbursement, we have sat and put together measures that will ensure fair selection of beneficiaries and equitable distribution of the palliative. We have formed supervisory committee at the local government level which I am a member and also supervisory committee at the ward levels which constitutes the councillors, presidents-general, clergy men, civil society organisations, etc for proper monitoring, supervision and distribution.
“Also in the beneficiary selection process, we are working through the umunnas. Each village already have their umunna in place. The umunnas know their people and know those members who are actually deserving of the palliative.
“This is how the list is generated. Every local government has its peculiarities but our job is to key into the solution mantra, ensure that it gets to the right beneficiaries and the local government is doing a good job. Each ward is expected to receive no fewer than 400-650 bags of rice and we have about 19 wards in Orumba North Local Government Area alone.
“This is massive and first of its kind. It is a good and welcome development. We are really grateful to Gov. Soludo for putting smiles on the faces of our people in this festive season. At least, our people are assured of rice for this yuletide celebration. Ndi Anambra should give him their full support as he takes the state to enviable heights.”
Speaking further, Sir Ekwueme described the state government palliative measures as all encompassing and transformational.
According to him, the Soludo administration is determined to bring dividends of democracy to Ndi Anambra especially the grassroots through provision of free education from nursery to junior secondary school(J.S.S 3), permitting only N5000 school fees for Senior Secondary Schools; free ante natal care and delivery services for expectant mothers in the state, youth empowerment, massive road construction, employment of teachers and health workers.
The Orumba-North TC boss expressed gratitude to God Almighty and Gov. Soludo for the privilege to serve the people of Orumba North.
“I thank God and Gov. Soludo for this opportunity to serve my people. I am a man of service. I like to help and assist people, it is in my nature and background.
“We have been here for about 15 months. It has been a challenging and tough one because governance is not easy especially in Nigeria. But I believe that we have been able to make some positive impact in the lives of our people. They should keep on supporting us by paying their taxes and levies as at when due to enable us generate funds and carry out some necessary projects in the local government area,” he said.
_Chioma and Charity are of the Ministry of Information_