TheCable

The Ondo state government has described the N5billion palliative fund for states as a timely intervention.

On Friday, the federal government announced a N5 billion palliative for each state and the federal capital territory (FCT) to cushion the impact of the petrol subsidy removal.

In a statement, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the acting governor of the state, said the support from the federal government would go a long way in helping states to meet the challenges of providing necessary relief for their citizens.

“Members of the council were full of praises for the president on the timely intervention regarding the N5 billion support for each of the states which is basically to provide food items and agricultural inputs,” he said.

“Although almost all the states have rolled out various measures to cushion the effect of these times for their people, this new support from the federal government will go a long way in expanding the scope and reach of the measures already set in motion.

“I therefore join other members of the NEC in thanking Mr. President for this crucial support and I want to assure the good people of Ondo state that this fund will be fully utilised for the purpose it is meant for.”

Aiyedatiwa also directed members of the Ondo palliative committee to speed up work on the implementation of the measures already put in place by the state government.

“Our palliatives committee has been doing well so far,” he said.

“We’ve had the free transport support for civil servants in the state already running and all arrangements have been concluded for that of the school pupils.

“The process for cash support for the vulnerable is ongoing too and disbursement will begin by the end of the month.

“I want to commend the efforts of members of the palliatives committee, while also urging them to speed up the work.

“Now that we have additional support from the federal government, we are well equipped to do more for our people.”