Secretary to Ogun State government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, has distributed 3,300 food bags and cash gifts to the people of Ijebu-North local government area of the state.
The gesture, a according to the SSG, was to cushion the effects of the renewed two-week lockdown by the Federal Government on containing the spread of COVID-19 among the people of the state.
During the presentation of the palliative items at the local government area in Oru-Ijebu axis of the state, Mr. Talabi charged the people to obey and consider the sit-at-home order as a sacrifice for the overall benefit of all.
Talabi, who was represented by a community leader, Otunba (Mrs.) Toun Oduwole, said the gesture as a personal sacrifice was to complement the effort of the state government towards cushioning the impact of the pandemic on the people, as well as the untold hardship being experienced during the lockdown period in the state.
Talabi, thereafter, appealed to individuals charged with the distribution to ensure fair and judicious distribution to those in real need, assuring that as time would permit, “another batch of relief items would be distributed to support and alleviate the sufferings of the needy amongst us at these trying period.”
He said: “This gesture to my people is a token of my love and concern to my kinsmen at this challenging period in our global history. This is the first batch of relief materials to those amongst us that are in real need of succour.
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“Please, to those saddled with the distribution, I enjoin you to be fair and judicious in your distribution,” he added.
On the modus operandi for distribution, a former lawmaker and political leader from the council area, Mr. Joseph Adegbesan, revealed that a five-man taskforce which comprised representatives of the League of Imams, Christian Association of Nigeria, a market leader, Community Development Association, and a sitting politician within the local council had been saddled with the seamless distribution to the people.
In separate reactions, the Chief Imam of Ago-Iwoye, Alh. Ali Adeniyi, described the gesture as very commendable and pleasing to God, particularly at these trying times, assuring that the list of beneficiaries was intact and ready to receive the palliatives.
CAN chairman in the council area, Evangelist Ilori Oluwaseun, described it as a great joy to receive the food items on behalf of members in need, noting that a proper selection process for the beneficiaries was duly adhered to.
Also speaking, Iyaloja of Japara, Ijebu Igbo, Mrs. Iyabo Adesanya said the distribution would benefit the aged and vulnerable within them.
