馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Oyo State government and Dangote Foundation distribute rice to 30,000 vulnerable residents
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Oyo State Government, in partnership with the Aliko Dangote Foundation, has distributed 10kg bags of rice to approximately 30,000 vulnerable residents across the state. This initiative, the second phase of the Oyo State Government鈥揇angote Foundation Food Relief Outreach, aims to alleviate the impact of economic hardship and is part of the state鈥檚 Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery. The distribution event took place at the Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. Professor Olanike Adeyemo, the Secretary to the State Government, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Musibau Babatunde, stated that the program is designed to reduce poverty and improve the welfare of vulnerable groups, including widows, the underprivileged, people living with disabilities, and the aged. Beneficiaries were selected from all 33 Local Government Areas of the state. Mr. Babatunde thanked the Aliko Dangote Foundation and urged other private sector organizations to support government efforts through corporate social responsibility. Mr. Edero Ejiro, Head of Operations for the Aliko Dangote Foundation in Lagos, explained that this intervention is part of the foundation鈥檚 nationwide food relief program. He noted that 30,000 bags of 10kg rice would be distributed in Oyo as part of ongoing partnerships with state governments to address poverty and food insecurity. Mr. Ejiro commended Governor Seyi Makinde's administration for its commitment to food security and support for vul
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Osun State Government and the All Progressives Congress APC have differing views on the outcome of a meeting between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu. The Inspector General reportedly stated that the state's Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, informed him that wanted suspects were harbored in the Government House. Governor Adeleke denied these allegations, accusing Gotan of unprofessional conduct by not arresting criminals allegedly protected by the APC. Kolapo Alimi, the state Commissioner for Information, suggested the Inspector General's remarks could embolden criminals and described them as "subtle blackmail." The APC, through its spokesperson Kola Olabisi, criticized Alimi's comments, calling them misplaced, and accused the Adeleke administration of politicizing security matters. The party also suggested that police action to remove alleged criminals from the Government House should extend to properties owned by the governor's relatives. Olabisi further commented on the state's governance, anticipating a change in leadership through the upcoming governorship election.
The Federal Government has called on journalists and social media influencers to refrain from providing publicity to bandits and terrorists. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Reorientation, made this appeal at the inaugural Arewa Media Summit in Kano. He emphasized the media's crucial role in denying violent extremists the attention they seek, while also promoting unity and hope. Idris noted that while the digital revolution has transformed communication, it has also led to an increase in fake news and disinformation, which can threaten national unity. Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Public Enlightenment, stated that the summit aimed to enhance dialogue between the government, citizens, and the media through accountability, responsibility, and ethical communication. He advised social media influencers to use their platforms responsibly, verify information, and avoid divisive content, especially in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. Abdulaziz also mentioned the training of over 100 APC social media communicators on effective government policy communication and the unveiling of the Gani Ya Kori initiative to highlight overlooked projects by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Northern governors. Kano state Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who declared the summit open, encouraged other states to adopt his Special Reporters Initiative to improve government communication.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has committed to delivering at least 620,000 votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, aiming to double the 310,468 votes Tinubu received from the state in 2023. Governor Alia made this declaration after a meeting with President Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, accompanied by former Governor Gabriel Suswam. Alia indicated that Suswam's alignment with the APC is strengthening the party's prospects in Benue State. During the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu secured 310,468 votes in Benue, narrowly defeating Peter Obi, who garnered 308,372 votes. The governor also updated President Tinubu on the security situation in Benue, the status of internally displaced persons, the ongoing farming season, and the political atmosphere following the APC primaries. He acknowledged internal tensions within the APC in Benue but expressed confidence that these would resolve. Alia also briefed the President on Suswam's formal entry into the APC, noting that a figure of Suswam's stature required a direct interface with the President. Additionally, Governor Alia thanked President Tinubu for attending Benue's 50th-anniversary celebrations, during which a fruit concentrate factory was commissioned by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. The First Lady also commissioned 10 urban renewal road projects during the same period.