In order to ameliorate the effects of economic hardship on residents of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the Chairman of the council, Hon. Zakka Maikalangu, distributed food items to residents across the 12 wards of the council on Tuesday.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of staple food items to vulnerable residents at Apo Townhall, Maikalangu said the items would not have been possible without the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike.
He said, “It is with great delight that I welcome you today to the formal flag-off ceremony for the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable persons in Abuja Municipal Area Council. It is indeed very significant to me, as this exercise is intended to alleviate the burden, scarcity, and high costs of food for the most vulnerable members of society.
“Permit me to express our profound gratitude to our amiable President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his rapid response to the yearnings of Nigerians, prompting him to approve the distribution of these palliatives to cushion the effect of food shortages in the country.
“May I also use this medium once again to say a special thank you to my mentor, the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, and my mummy, the Minister of State, Hajiya Maryiam Mahmoud Bunkure, for her timely release of these palliatives. It is equally important to note that this initiative aims to address food shortages and provide relief to Nigerians in line with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He added, “It may interest you to know that this is not a political gathering. The people you are seeing here today are residents of AMAC who were invited irrespective of their ethnic groups, religious inclinations, and political party affiliations. These people were drawn from the 12 political wards of the Council.
“To this end, myself, the Supervisory Councilor for Agriculture, and others will monitor and ensure the smooth and equitable distribution of these food items.
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“To ensure a fair distribution process, strict security measures are already in place to avoid theft. You must queue responsibly and orderly to receive these food items.
No thuggery or criminal activity will be allowed in this environment. If you have any intention to disrupt the distribution of these items today, it is better to leave this environment because our security agencies are on red alert to secure and protect the lives of our residents.
“We, as a council, understand that sustainable development depends on the welfare of our citizens, so we are committed to an agricultural revolution, which is very important for us in achieving food security.
“Our administration places greater attention on agriculture, the oldest profession in the world. In a few days, we will distribute essential agricultural inputs to farmers in the rural areas to support a successful planting season and ensure an abundant food supply.
“On this note, it is my pleasure to formally declare this event open as we commence the distribution of these palliatives to the residents accordingly.”