Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced the inauguration of a state committee on food security, which he said is in response to the increasing economic hardship facing residents of the state.
The committee, he said would comprise representatives of civil society groups, youth organizations, farmers’ associations, security agencies, religious groups, market associations and relevant commissioners and will be led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Bashiru Salami.
In a statement released by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, it was said that the committee would work on farm security for food production, expand farming activities through state incentives and track foodstuff marketing and pricing.
The committee would also review operations of ongoing palliative measures with a view for improvement if any and recommend immediate actions to further relieve the suffering of the people.
Adeleke also reiterated his commitment to the wellbeing of the people under the national economic emergency.
He said “Our government is built mainly on the welfare of the people. We just launched the distribution of cash grants to almost 20,000 very poor segments of our population. Another 60,000 is being enrolled for ATM cards.
“I have directed the Commissioner for Transport to ensure efficient working of the Imole Bus Service. Before new buses arrive, we must make judicious use of the refurbished buses to ply key routes where the services are needed.
“I have instructed key commissioners to review their service delivery to respond to the current needs and challenges of the people. The people must be regularly consulted and carried along on policy decisions and implementation.
“Our administration is ramping up efforts to deepen the state economy. I have directed the Commissioner for Power to expedite action on the Osun State Electricity bill.
“On the digital economy, I have also instructed the Commissioner for Science and Technology to present an implementation plan for the state ICT Policy and the State Tech Innovation policy. The bill for the domestication of the Nigerian Startup Act will soon be sent to the state assembly.
“I have further directed the Commissioner for Agriculture to prepare a state plan and bill to ease access to farm equipment and inputs for farmers. Of course, the ministry is finalizing the implementation plan on the state Cocoal Revival agenda.
“Our government is pumping millions of naira into the grassroots through hundreds of community associations. The funds are used to build health centers, boreholes, school rehabilitations among others. This is boosting the local economy.
“We are rebuilding our roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, water works to make the economy work, to expand economic activities and attract investors. The multi-billion naira infra-plan is ongoing.
“We are paying inherited half salary and pension debt long before Mr President so directed. We are paying wage awards to public servants and pensioners. Osun, almost a civil service state, has a lot to gain from public workers’ welfare because the informal sector depends mostly on the public sector.
“We enrolled all pensioners in the state health insurance scheme. This new week we are launching free surgeries for pensioners statewide. By next month, another edition of the statewide Imole free medical outreach across the nine federal constituencies will commence.
“To secure the state, we recently launched the State Security Trust Fund. We are working on a template for local state policing. A detailed implementation plan will soon be unveiled.”
Adeleke further appealed to the people for their support even as his government strives to give them the best they deserve.
Chioma Kalu
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