On Saturday, Kogi State saw a significant boost in support as hundreds of people received bags of rice and fertilizer from the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu. The distribution event, held at the grand Prince Audu’s Palace in Lokoja, drew attendees from various local governments across the state.
The distribution involved 2,400 bags of rice and 1,200 bags of fertilizer. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at enhancing food security, and marks the one-year anniversary of Minister Audu’s tenure.
During the event, Audu emphasized that the primary aim of distributing these resources is to assist vulnerable residents and farmers throughout Kogi State. This effort is part of a broader Federal Government strategy to improve living conditions amid ongoing transformative policies.
The Minister assured that the distribution would be equitable, covering all localities and including individuals from opposition parties, diverse ethnic and religious groups, widows, traditional leaders, and market women.
Audu said, “Today, we are distributing nearly 4,000 bags of rice and fertilizer across all 21 local government areas in Kogi State. This distribution is part of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to ensure food security and support every segment of our community.”
He also took a moment to commend the youth of Kogi State for their restraint during recent nationwide protests, urging them to engage in constructive dialogue instead. “I want to thank you all for heeding the call to avoid protests and to engage in discussions. Your cooperation has been invaluable, and I assure you that we will continue to work hard to meet your needs,” Audu said.
The Minister highlighted previous efforts made under his leadership, including the distribution of 50,000 Naira grants to 5,000 individuals, totaling 250 million Naira, as part of the federal government’s support programs. He promised that more support would follow, emphasizing his commitment to ongoing aid and development.
The Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, expressed gratitude for the aid, noting its importance in alleviating hardship among the people of Kogi State. He prayed for continued protection and wisdom for Minister Audu in his role.
Comrade Stephen Bala Jibrin, Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, described the distribution as timely and crucial for local farmers. He praised both the President and the Minister for their recognition of Kogi State’s needs and assured that the fertilizer would be effectively distributed to benefit farmers.
In addition to the distribution event, Minister Audu was honored with the Outstanding Personality Award from the Progressive Empowerment Project for Nigerian Women. This award recognized his dedication to revitalizing the steel industry and improving the welfare of his people over the past year.
