Only A Governor With A Poverty Mindset Will Hoard Palliatives Meant For People, Says Gov Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun

The stories about palliatives been hoarded inside various warehouses in many parts of the country are everywhere, such that it is almost hard to believe to the contrary.

But, as far as Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is concerned, only a governor with a poverty mindset will hoard palliatives meant for the suffering masses.

Those who share very close affinity with Prince Abiodun would attest to his acclaimed bowel of compassion and milk of human kindness which have become almost second nature with him.




Permanent Secretary, Min of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Barrister Femi Ogunbamwo presenting palliatives

Prior to being voted in as Governor, Abiodun is said to be a major private sector player, especially in the oil and gas industry and he is reputed to have put his own portion in the donations donations doled out by the Coalition Against Covid 19 Pandemic (CA-COVID)

Information around town as well as videos of massive crowds in their thousands breaking into warehouses were shared freely across the country.

But, the Governor has dispelled such information as rumours by enemies of the state, insisting that no hoarding of palliatives took place in the state.





People living with disabilities also benefited

While debunking the insinuations of looting of palliatives meant for the people at any of the warehouses in the state, he said the originators of rumour embarked on a script to rubbish his administration.

He said, there was no reason for the state government to stockpile the Covid-19 palliatives having invested a whole sum of money to purchased them.





Traditional rulers witnessed distribution of palliatives

He explained that, the distribution of the palliative was designed by private investors who donated the food commodities to the state government in such a way that all stakeholders including community leaders are to supervise the distribution.

The Governor's assertion was corroborated by the State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Barrister Femi Ogunbanwo, who insisted that the palliatives meant for the people have continuously been distributed to the masses at the grassroots level.





Ogunbamwo disclosed that his Ministry which was tasked with the orderly distribution of the food items has discharged its assignment creditably apart from a few places where the security officials were overwhelmed.

He stated: "I can confirm to you hat Governor Abiodun is adequately imbued with the bowel of mercy and milk of human kindness. He gave firm instruction that the palliatives must get to all the vulnerable people at the grassroots.

"The distribution exercise went on smoothly and it aligned with the governor's vision that the wellness and wellbeing of the people should never be compromised.






"The palliatives kept at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu was not meant for Remo Division but for the 20 council areas ditto that of Asero in Abeokuta. They were kept there due to the availability of big space to contain the items.

"The items were later moved to the various Council headquarters and received by the Chairmen and then distributed immediately to the various beneficiaries under the supervision of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs.

"One of the things we ensured was that the Items were taken directly to vulnerable homes like Lepers colony , Iberekodo, Stella Obasanjo Children Home in Abeokuta, Juveniles Remand Home, Asero, the physically challenged in all d local governments.






"We also ensured that the palliatives got to the abode of the underprivileged, old people, widows and even able-bodied people with economic challenges"

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, commended the Governor for exercising the ethos of fairness and equity in the Administration of the state.

Mr Onasanya said "Our Ministry has adhered strictly to the directive of Mr Governor that the palliatives must reach all the intended beneficiaries. All Local Government Councils have got their palliatives delivered. The last to receive were Ado Odo/ Ota and Ipokia due to crisis in d area during the endsars protest turned violent at Ado Odo Ota and the Customs/ Community clash in Ipokia.






Traditional rulers witnessed distribution of palliatives

"These delayed the movement of palliatives to the area but as we speak, the palliatives have left Sagamu for the two council areas. The State Government has delivered to them, and there is no hoarding of any kind. This is a responsible government and you can trust that Ogun people are appreciative of all these gestures"