The Ondo State Government has rolled out an extensive relief package, aiming to provide support to its residents in a bid to cushion the impacts of fuel subsidy removal.
Topping the list is the distribution of free food packages to one million households spanning across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Finance who is the chairman,Palliative Strategy and Implementation Committee, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa disclosed this on Thursday.
Akinteriwa said the steps was part of the government’s multifaceted approach to reduce the effects of the subsidy removal of fuel
He said the government is not only focusing on food assistance but is also reinstating free shuttle bus services for students.
According to him, the shuttle buses are set to operate from September, marking the resumption of classes, until December 31st.
He said ” additional measures to alleviate the economic strain. In a press conference held in Akure, the state capital, he disclosed that selected vulnerable individuals in each local government area will receive an unconditional cash transfer of N10,000 monthly for three months.
“Pensioners, both at the local government and state levels, are not excluded from this comprehensive relief effort. They are slated to receive N10,000 each from August through December 2023, providing much-needed financial support.
Mr. Akinterinwa, also unveiled initiatives aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector. Plans include providing subsidized farm inputs to farmers, along with vital supplies and training for poultry and fish farmers. In riverine areas, fishing nets and kilns will be made available at a reduced cost.
He added that to facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, the government intends to distribute tricycles to farming communities. Moreover, it has suspended haulage fee collections on non-graded agricultural produce, focusing on items intended for local consumption.
He said that the relief effort extends beyond financial and agricultural domains.
“The state government is expediting the payment of the 2020 leave bonus to public servants, in addition to the already disbursed bonuses for 2021, 2022, and 2023.
“Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have also been incorporated into the Subsidy Removal Palliative, extending the reach of support to various categories within this sector.
“As the Ondo State Government embraces this comprehensive approach to provide succour and alleviate the financial strain stemming from the subsidy removal, it aims to bolster resilience among its citizens and promote economic stability.*
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