The Gombe government says it will distribute palliatives to 90,000 citizens in the second phase of the exercise to ease the pain of subsidy removal on the people.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated this during a statewide broadcast on Monday in Gombe to mark the New Year.

Mr Yahaya, while acknowledging that the removal of fuel subsidy had resulted in rising costs of living and economic hardships among citizens, assured that Nigerians would enjoy the gains of subsidy removal in the new year.

“As the government begins to invest gains of fuel subsidy removal in areas that deliver long-term growth and inclusive development, I have no doubt that together we shall weather the storms and emerge stronger.

“Over the past six months, we have introduced policies like wage grants to civil servants, food and agricultural support, and other palliative measures aimed at cushioning the side effects of the resulting economic shocks,” stated the Gombe governor.

Mr Yahaya pointed out that the first phase of the state’s food palliative intervention in August 2023 targeted 420,000 poor and vulnerable people.

“On Tuesday, we are rolling out the second phase of our palliative food distribution programme, targeting about 90,000 beneficiaries across the state.

“Already a committee has been set up under the chairmanship of the deputy governor, with representation of various stakeholders to take charge of this responsibility,” the governor said.

He urged Gombe residents to embrace the new year with renewed hope, determination, and purpose.

“In 2024, our focus will be on building a Gombe state that leaves no one behind, as articulated in our recently passed 2024 budget christened ‘budget of continuity and consolidation’.

“We will continue to invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, job creation, peace and security. We shall continue to harness our human and natural resources in order to put Gombe State on the path of sustainable progress and all-inclusive development,” Mr Yahaya stated.

Mr Yahaya also called on the traditional rulers and the people to continue to support the government’s efforts to ensure security in Gombe.

“The pursuit of lasting peace and security in our communities requires a united front. I, therefore, appeal to our traditional rulers, religious leaders and the general public to lend their guidance, cooperation and prayers for the prosperity and security of Gombe state and Nigeria at large.

“Let us join hands to ensure that peace and harmony become the cornerstone of our shared existence,” said the governor. 

(NAN)