In a bid to mitigate the impact of the recent fuel subsidy removal, the Ebonyi State government has announced the receipt of N2 billion and 3,000 bags of rice from the Federal Government as palliatives.
The disclosure was made by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Jude Okpor, during a press briefing in Abakaliki on Thursday, following the weekly state Executive Council meeting.
Governor Francis Nwifuru revealed the receipt of the palliatives during the meeting and subsequently formed a 10-member committee tasked with ensuring the fair distribution of the resources.
The committee, which will be headed by the governor himself and assisted by the deputy governor, comprises key figures including the secretary to the state government, the state chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the chairman of the state traditional rulers council.
Mr. Okpor further stated that the state government had approved financial assistance of N2 million for each of the 1,500 citizens of Ebonyi State engaged in street hawking and other menial jobs across the country. The program, with an estimated cost of over N3 billion, will be implemented in three phases, benefiting 500 beneficiaries in each phase. The first 500 beneficiaries will receive training and subsequent empowerment once all necessary preparations are in place.
Additionally, the state executive council has approved the disbursement of arrears of gratuity to retired civil servants who served from 1996 to 2021, with an implementation cost of N4.3 billion. The council also directed swift resolution of issues surrounding pension payment to certain beneficiaries.
The government’s commitment to these financial aids is aimed at alleviating the struggles of senior citizens and boosting the morale of both retired and active workers in the state.
The palliatives received by Ebonyi State come at a time when various states across Nigeria are grappling with the challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies. The initiative underscores the government’s determination to support its citizens during this period of transition and economic adjustment.
