BY EHIGIE OSADOLOR, BENIN 

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has called on Nigerians to collaborate with the government at all levels to fight against poverty and hunger.

The governor made the call at the New Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City, during the distribution of 13,000 10KG bags of rice donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation to the vulnerable in the State.

Governor Okpebholo said the fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians, noting that through partnerships, the government will build a more resilient, secure, and prosperous future for all.

Represented by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the governor, said: “I express my heartfelt gratitude to the donor and his Foundation for this notable act of generosity and compassion. This donation is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting food security as well as supporting the most vulnerable members of the society.

“The initiative is to distribute one million bags of rice to the 774 Local Government Areas across the country, and the move is a laudable demonstration.

“Edo State Government has aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes food security for the nation.

“We have launched the Back to Farm project, which is aimed at cultivating 3,000 hectares of land across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State.

“This effort underscores our administration’s commitment to achieving food sufficiecy and enhancing agricultural productivity across the State.

“I use this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to emulate Aliko Dangote’s generosity as the fight against poverty and hunger is a collective responsibility and together through partnerships like this, we will build a more resilient, secure and prosperous future for all.

“As we commence the distribution of rice to the vulnerable across the State, I assure you that the process will be transparent, equitable, and will be carried out with utmost integrity.

“We will ensure that these items reach the vulnerable and communities that they are intended for,” he added.

The leader of the market women in Edo State, Pastor Josephine Ebhaguejezele, thanked the Governor Okpebholo led administration for all it has been doing for market women and vulnerable people in the State.

She noted that since the governor came on board, he has empowered youths, women, and the vulnerable across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State.

She added that the previous administration had the same opportunities but preferred to store the items in warehouses and shared them with political allies, friends, and family members forgetting the vulnerable people in the State.