The Osun State Government has received 43 trucks containing 28,440 bags of Garri and corn from the Federal Government to address the pressing issues of hunger and hardship in the state.
On Monday, July 29, Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, announced that the state received four trucks carrying 25kg bags of Garri, totaling 5,040 bags.
He explained that 39 trucks delivered 50kg bags of corn, with each truck containing 600 bags, resulting in a total of 23,400 bags supplied to the state.
“This current food palliative, which consists of Garri and corn, originated from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and is distributed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Abuja,” he said.
“The Osun State Government is receiving these palliatives through the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA).”
Alimi noted that officials from the Nigeria Police, ICPC, DSS, EFCC, and NEMA are currently monitoring the offloading and documentation of the consignments to ensure transparency and accountability.
The distribution of food items to beneficiaries across the state will therefore commence today, July 30, following a template provided by the Federal Government that aligns with the distribution plan established by the Osun State Government.
The Commissioner explained that the Osun State Government began receiving and offloading the trucks at the OSEMA warehouse in Osogbo on Thursday, July 11. As of Sunday, July 28, four trucks of Garri and 21 trucks of corn had been received, with four trucks of Garri and 16 trucks of corn already offloaded.
He added that the remaining five trucks of corn will be offloaded subsequently, with one more truck expected.
“The formal distribution exercise will commence immediately on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, through a clean, clear, thorough, and transparent process,” he concluded.