The Speaker, Kwara state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi, has said the state government’s palliatives to Kwarans have been monetized for Baruten and Kaiama local governments in recognition of the peculiarities and request of the people of the two local governments.
Hon. Danladi disclosed this during the distribution of relief materials and cash donations to the people of Ilesha-Gwanara constituency to cushion the effect of Corona virus pandemic which has crippled socio-economic activities in the areas.
“Our people are predominantly farmers and may not appreciate donation of food items. They requested for financial support to help them meet other basic needs, hence, we heeded their calls to negotiate financial support in lieu”, Danladi added.
The speaker, according to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Ibrahim Sheriff, said the palliatives included instant hand sanitizers, food supplements and cash, pointing out that the food supplements was funded from his personal donation.
Speaking at Emir’s palace in Ilesha-Baruba and Gwanara respectively, Danladi said it became imperative to reach out to his constituents following the contagious effects of the lockdown aimed at flattening the curve of COVID-19 spread in Kwara state.
Danladi urged the traditional and religious leaders and community based organisations’ representatives to ensure strict compliance with the state palliative committee’s guidelines in sharing the relief funds, without recourse to sectional consideration, emphasising COVID-19 knows no party, tribe or religion.
“The relief fund is not for everybody, but the poorest of the poor, aged, widows and artisans among other vulnerable people, irrespective of their sociopolitical background. Ensure level playground to those within these categories, the current challenge knows no party, tribe or religion,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Boro-Suuru of Gobo, Alh. Idris Ahmed, who appreciated the gesture of the government, said “We thank Kwara state government and the honourable Speaker for the magnanimity. We are glad the state government is showing empathy to us at this trying time. We are highly impressed”.
The Speaker was accompanied by Hon. Commissioner for Energy, Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi, Hon. Member representing Okuta/Yashikira constituency, Mohammed Baba Salihu and Special assistant to the Governor on SDG, Ms. Jemila Bio-Ibrahim among other political appointees from Baruten local government who took the relief funds to other districts of the local government.
End.