The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar-Audu, on Saturday inaugurated the distribution of 2, 600 bags of 25kg rice to indigent residents of Kogi State as palliatives.

The minister also distributed 1, 400 bags of fertilisers to eligible farmers across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

Addressing beneficiaries in Lokoja, the minister said that the distribution was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu on food production and security.

Mr Abubakar-Audu described the palliative distribution to vulnerable citizens and eligible farmers as “very symbolic” in cushioning the effects of the prevailing hardship in the country.

He further said that the gestures were part of activities in commemoration of his one-year in office as minister of steel development.

The minister assured Kogi residents of more of Federal Government purpose driven initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

He said, “In fostering peace, and unity among indigene of the state, under the leadership of Governor. Ahmed Ododo, the palliatives will be distributed across board. The beneficiaries will also include those from the opposition parties, all ethnic and religious groups, widows, market women, amongst other groups across the three senatorial districts of the state.’’

He said that before now he had provided N250 million succour distributed in N50,000 nano-business grants to 5,000 beneficiaries in Kogi.

The minister urged Kogi residents to continue to collaborate with him, the governor, and other key leaders to bring about the desired development to the state.

On Ajaokuta Steel Complex, the minister disclosed that arrangements were on top gear to fastrack the revival of the company in line with the economic direction of the president.

The Maigari of Lokoja, Ibrahim Gambo, thanked the minister for the incentives, noting that it would go a long way in bringing succour to the people,

Also speaking, the Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kogi State chapter, Stephen Jibrin, described the gesture as “very timely.”

Mr Jibrin said that AFAN would ensure that the fertilisers get to farmers at the grass-roots.

The minister was honoured with an award of “The outstanding personality” from the Progressive Empowerment Project for Nigerian Women.

(NAN)