Yuletide: Bayelsa govt commences distribution of 4,200 bags of rice to the vulnerable

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State government began distribution of 4,200 bags of 50 kg rice to the vulnerable across the 105 wards across the eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) ahead of the festive season.

Speaking during the distribution exercise at the Banquet Hall in Yenagoa on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the gesture is a Christmas gift for the vulnerable members of the society.

According to her, the government is giving 40 bags of rice to each of the 105 wards.

“The distribution patterns is through the chairmen and stakeholders in the local government areas. The communities will be given the rice through the councilors.

“We expected that all political appointees have been directed not to take part in the exercise. It’s purely for the vulnerable people, it is a Christmas gift from our government, ably led by our prosperity governor Sen. Douye Diri and the Deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and wishing everyone Merry Christmas,” she said.

The chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, Chief Target Segibo said the governor is used to showing concern on people’s welfare during every Christmas, adding that already the people know that the governor would always do it.

“We are very happy, you know that the times are really hard and we know that we will need to send this items down to the people.

“The instruction is very clear, no stakeholders should benefit, that does not mean that the government is not going to reach out to them. The instruction is to send it down to the wards and that is what we are going to do. That is why we are here personally to monitor things.”

He assured that the rice is in safe hands and will get down to the people at the ward level and from there to communities.