This is part of the efforts of the state government to cushion the effect of the prevailing economic hardship.
The distribution started with Muslim faithful who are currently observing this year’s Ramadan fast with thousands of bags of rice allocated to mosques, including Kobiti Central Mosque, Secretariat Central Mosque and Sa’adatul Abadiyya Mosque, Leme, all in Abeokuta.
Addressing the congregation on behalf of the state governor Dapo Abiodun, after the Jumat, the deputy governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, thanked Muslims for their support in prayers since 2019 till date, urging them not to relent but continue to support the Abiodun-led government.
“The state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun do not take your prayers and support for granted. Your prayers were what have been keeping this administration going. So I want to appeal to you to accept this gift wholeheartedly,” she said.
The deputy governor urged the congregants to shun all immoral acts that can hinder their prayers.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Atoke Ogunseun, appreciated Abiodun for the gesture.
At the Kobiti Central Mosque, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiu Hamzat, who represented the governor, explained that the gesture was part of the government’s commitment to the welfare of the citizenry, even as he promised more distribution of palliatives to the people.
He enjoined them to use the Ramadan period to pray for the peace, tranquility and progress of the country.
Speaking On behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr. Musbau Abiola and Mrs. Mulikat Folarin thanked the state government for the palliative and pledged their continuous support.
At the Sa’adatul Abadiyya Organisation of Nigeria National Mosque, Leme, the Senior Consultant to Abiodun on Media, Ambassador Tunde Oladunjoye, said the gesture was in line with the state government’s agenda to help cushion the high cost of food in the country.
The Chief Imam of Sa’adatul Abadiyya Organisation of Nigeria National Mosque, Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Ismail, commended Abiodun for looking after the welfare of his people by distributing food stuff palliative to the Muslim faithful in the mosque.