The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, announced that the Presidency has provided 1,200 bags of rice to each minister, intended for distribution as palliatives to alleviate food insecurity among grassroots communities.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, Alake revealed that the rice allocated to him would be specifically distributed to elderly citizens in Ekiti State.
“Following the Presidency’s decision to address the needs of Nigerians by ensuring greater food availability at the grassroots, 1,200 bags of rice have been provided to each minister to supplement existing distribution channels, including state governments and civic organizations,” Alake said.
He emphasized that the rice under his purview would be directed solely to the elderly, stating, “We must reach out to our aged fathers and mothers in these trying times, embodying the Omoluabi values of caring for the elderly in our communities.”
Alake explained that the decision to focus on the elderly was driven by their vulnerability, adding, “It is essential to ensure that this intervention reaches mainly elderly citizens who cannot compete for welfare resources at the established distribution centres. We have compiled their inventory and are ensuring direct delivery to them.”
The minister further assured that future initiatives would extend to other vulnerable groups, including widows, orphans, persons with disabilities, and students in higher institutions.
Alake also called on the people of Ekiti to contribute to supporting the needy, urging collective efforts to combat hunger and poverty in the state.
