Governor Seyi Makinde today flagged off the disbursement of palliatives to residents of Ogbomoso Zone in Oyo State.
The palliative package, implemented under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) in Oyo State targeted at the ‘poorest of the poor’ in the State, is one of many strategies poised towards cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
The newly activated SAfER initiative in Oyo State, according to the Chief of Staff and Chairman of the SAfER Committee, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, who spoke on behalf of the Governor, will be implemented under five major pillars, including transportation, food palliatives, food security, healthcare and SME loans.
The food palliative package, comprising 10kg bag of rice, 5kg bag of beans, 1 litre of vegetable oil, among other things, is for immediate amelioration of the hardships experienced by the vulnerable.
Ogunwuyi, in his remarks, added that a total of 50 commuter buses have been provided under the transportation palliative for both intra-city and intra-city transportation. The buses will connect all the zones of the state to Ibadan, the capital city.
He added that farm inputs have been earmarked for 10,000 farmers in various farming enterprises, while a total One Billion Naira has been provided at single-digit interest rates to support agropreneurs and smallholder farmers.
In addition, Five Hundred Million Naira will be disbursed to small and micro enterprises (SMEs) at single-digit interest rates through designated microfinance banks in the seven geopolitical zones of the State.
The health pillar of the SAfER initiative will capture 100,000 beneficiaries under the health insurance scheme, out of which 50,000 is earmarked for retirees in the state.
He therefore pledged the commitment of the State Government to ensure that all the palliative measures get to the targeted beneficiaries.
Also, in attendance at the flag off event were the Commissioner for agriculture, who doubles as Chairman, SAfER subcommittee on food security, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye and Commissioner for Information /Chairman, SAfER Sub-committee on health, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, artisans, and various market groups graced the event.
