ASHENEWS reports taht the Sokoto State government has made a bold move to address the growing economic challenges and food insecurity in the State, and approved ₦14 billion for the purchase of 300 trucks of rice.
This rice will be sold to the public at subsidized rates to alleviate hunger and ease the burden on the state’s residents.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Dadi Adare, following a State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Wednesday.
Adare emphasized that the decision to procure the rice is a direct response to the ongoing economic hardships faced by many Sokoto residents. The initiative aims to ensure that affordable food reaches the most vulnerable communities, particularly in the wake of rising food prices exacerbated by inflation and other economic pressures.
Under the approved plan, each of the 244 wards across Sokoto State will receive one truck of rice. The distribution will be carried out in a manner that ensures accessibility for all, with the rice available in various bag sizes—50 kilograms, 25 kilograms, and 10 kilograms—catering to different household needs and purchasing capacities.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu has underscored the importance of this intervention, noting that the state’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat hunger and support the livelihood of its citizens. The subsidized rice program is expected to provide immediate relief to families struggling with food scarcity while the government continues to explore additional measures to stabilize the local economy.
This initiative also highlights the Sokoto State government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its people in the face of national economic challenges. The subsidized rice is anticipated to reach the wards swiftly, with distribution plans already being coordinated to ensure efficiency and fairness.
The state government’s intervention has been widely welcomed, with many residents expressing hope that it will significantly reduce the pressure on household budgets and help mitigate the impact of inflation on food prices.
As Sokoto continues to navigate these challenging economic times, the government has pledged to monitor the program closely to ensure its success and to explore further actions that may be necessary to support its citizens.