Wike Beats Other Governors, With N2bn Largesse To Rivers People

BY CAMI EZENWA

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has made a bold statement of his resolve to succor his people this trying time by approving N2billion palliative for purchase of food items for the people.

He has also taken steps to ensure food availability and affordability, first by inaugurating a 24 man Committee for Distribution of Food Palliatives and another 32 man team for mop-up of foods from the nooks and crannies of the state.

He revealed these at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday, briefing on the state’s efforts containing corona virus.

He said the money was being sourced from the state’s contingency funds, and that the 32-man committee would be inaugurated today with the responsibility of purchasing the target food items, first, from local farmers and fishermen.

It is headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo.

“We are going a step further to ensure no one complains of hunger in our state during this trying period.

“Government has set aside N2billion to buy off all agricultural products produced in the state from farmers and fishermen.

“Our goal is to ensure that no agricultural product like yam, garri, plantain, palm oil and fish leaves our State during this period”, Wike said..

With these, he hoped to achieve two things: enable the farmers and fishermen make their profits, and the less privileged have enough food supply for their families.

The Rivers government is also hoping that the development would increase local production of food crops and sea products among local farmers in the state, boosting the local economy in the process.

Wike also informed that the first index case of the corona virus in the state had been discharged.