Protocols

Our gathering this afternoon is to enable me to formally inaugurate members of this important committee on food palliatives. As you are aware, our administration has rolled out multiple initiatives to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal. Quite a number of other interventions have also been introduced by the Federal Government in this regard.

It is important to clarify that food palliatives are only a stopgap measure to show empathy and reach out to the people, especially the most vulnerable ones among us. It is not the only step the government has taken since the removal of fuel subsidy. Government is committing huge resources to hasten mass production and use of gas-powered vehicles nationwide as well boost agricultural productivity, manufacturing, and small and medium scale enterprises. We are in this together, and I plead that we work together as one people bounded by one destiny to get over this current challenge.

Madame chairman, Your Royal Highness, and distinguished senior citizens, we have set up this committee to make the process of distributing the palliatives as nonpartisan, transparent, participatory and credible as humanly possible. We trust your judgment and commitment to make the palliatives to reach the nearest and farthest corners of our state.

The terms of reference for this assignment will be handed to the chairman and distinguished members of the committee.

I want to thank you most sincerely for accepting to serve our people in this capacity. I pray God to bless you all.

On that note, I have the pleasure of inaugurating the Kwara State Palliatives Committee.

Thank you.