The Federal Government on Saturday distributed 8,028 bags of assorted food items to the vulnerable population in Gombe State.
The items were handed over to no fewer than 50 groups comprised of traditional and religious institutions, which was expected to trickle to the poor within their constituencies.
Representing the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), at the programme, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Ali Pantami, said the identified groups were individuals of proven record, adding that it would trickle down to the poorest of the poor.
He said, “As you know this assignment requires trust, no matter how bad a community is, you will discover there is a category of people respected. The category can be one, two or even more. The people that we trust are our religious and royal fathers.”
Commenting further, the president revealed that those identified to spare head the distribution would achieve the desired purpose of empowerment.
He said, “Our own responsibility is to convey to them and they know the burden that is on their shoulder and we have no fear about their integrity and I have no doubt that what they have been given will be delivered effectively. We have given these to over 50 institutions and they know their followers.”
Buhari added that the two institutions of religious and traditional leaders were the closest to the people.
“They are closer to God Almighty and by implication we should think positive of them, we have given them in writing and there is a form attached to it they may wish to document they are closer to the grassroots,” the President said.
Also speaking, Chairman Joint Association of Persons Living with Disability, Umar Ali-Goro, urged Gombe State Government to ensure the distribution of palliatives in the store.
Ali-Goro said, “There are a lot of palliatives in Gombe store. The Federal Government should ensure states give palliatives items still in the store to People Living with Disability.”
