Gov Uba Sani begins N11.4b palliatives distribution in Kaduna

Sen. Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State, launched the second phase of the state’s Palliative Distribution Programme in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request that state governors fight poverty and lessen the suffering of their constituents.

On Monday, March 18, 2024, at a ceremony in Kaduna State, Governor Sani declared the distribution to begin, highlighting the state government’s dedication to helping the underprivileged and defenceless.

“We shall continue to take all necessary measures to bring succor to the poor and vulnerable in our state. In the next two months, we shall commence the implementation of the 3rd Phase of our Palliatives Programme. It’s a full package,” the governor stated.

The governor presented the N11.4 billion budget for the Palliative Distribution Program’s second phase. He disclosed that 128 trucks full of corn and rice, valued at N3.4 billion, would be given to almost 200,000 families, helping about 1,000,000 people.

Governor Sani also announced that 7,500 micro, small, and medium-sized firms (MSMEs) would be receiving grants. The payments ranged from N100,000 to N500,000, with some MSMEs receiving as much as N1,000,000 depending on the size of their business.

In addition, N4.2 billion has been set aside to provide cash grants, fertiliser, farm inputs, and tools to a number of underprivileged groups, such as youths, smallholder farmers, internally displaced people (IDPs), people with disabilities, orphans, and market women.

The Governor emphasised the value of helping retirees, revealing that N3.3 billion had been paid out to the families of civil officials who had passed away in order to pay them pensions, gratuities, and death benefits.

Additionally, Governor Sani announced financial assistance for vulnerable and impoverished homes, awarding N50,000 to over 9,800 households, including those with disabled members. Additionally, he announced the state’s 500 million naira Revolving Loan Scheme for civil staff.

Governor Sani warned that there would be serious repercussions for attempting to divert or take control of the palliatives and provided strong security measures to protect the distribution procedure.

Comrade Ayuba Suleiman, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), expressed gratitude to the Governor for his efforts, highlighting his commitment to the welfare of Kaduna State’s workforce and retirees by applauding the release of funds for the workers’ revolving loan scheme and the additional support for pensioners.