The Ogun State government under the leadership of Dapo Abiodun has commenced the sale of 50kg bags of rice for 40,000 Naira in the state.
Investors King reported that the subsidized rice program is part of the strategies by President Bola Tinubu’s government to address the economic hardship in the country.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, during the launching ceremony of the initiative held at the Arcade ground, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, revealed plans by his administration to extend the subsidized food initiative to the twenty local government areas of the state.
He noted that the subsidized food initiative would not be limited to rice only, other items including garri, rice, and beans would be available for purchase at significantly reduced prices.
The governor said, “We will soon be implementing our own version of this scheme from each local government, meaning we will implement this across the twenty local government areas of the state to deepen the reach into our grassroots.
“We will be selling food items like garri, rice, and beans at heavily subsidized prices.”
“The distribution will include various groups such as federal and state civil servants, private sector organizations, craftsmen, trade unions, NGOs, student groups, market vendors, community development groups, and religious and traditional groups,” he added.
He reassured the state’s citizens that the Head of Service’s office, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the NSA’s office had created a comprehensive plan to ensure the fair distribution of the product throughout the state’s 20 local government areas.
The governor emphasized the need for accountability, noting that cash payments would not be accepted.
However, he revealed that payments would be made via Point of Sales (PoS) machines.
Abiodun warned against double registration, adding that beneficiaries’ NIN will be verified after a physical screening at the point of sale.
According to the governor, the launch of the subsidized rice sale in Abeokuta for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Ilaro for Ogun West Senatorial District, and Ijebu-Ode for Ogun East Senatorial District will commence immediately.
“To ensure accountability, there will be no cash payments; payment will be made through Point of Sales (PoS) machines, and beneficiaries will undergo physical verification at the point of sale.
“No double registration will be allowed; NIN will be verified to ensure that we prevent any sharp practices.
“This distribution will be carried out transparently and fairly, ensuring that these palliatives reach those we have targeted,” he said.
Governor Abiodun concluded by describing the initiative as a sign of President Tinubu’s dedication to addressing the problem of rising food prices and cushioning the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.
On October 2, the Federal Government announced that Lagos, Kano, and Borno will be the next states that will benefit from its subsidized rice program.
According to a director at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, plans are already underway to roll out the food subsidy program in these states.
