Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, at the launch of the second phase of Edo feeding programme over the weekend, stated that the initiative had no political undertone, but put in place, in view of his genuine interest for the poor.
Obaseki, who spoke at the Benin Anglican Diocese Bishop’s Court in the Edo state capital, assured that the third phase of the feeding programme would be different, in order to ensure that the beneficiaries were put on a sustainable programme, thereby living independent of the palliatives.
The distribution of the food item for the vulnerable was through the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Muslim groups, and other associations.
Edo governor urged the federal government to copy the model, which he described as a drop in the ocean, compared with what President Bola Tinubu’s administration was spending on food palliatives, but the efforts of Edo government were reaching the real residents in need.
He said: “Thank God that the people (beneficiaries) here are not politicians. I do not have any politician here with me, and I am not contesting an election.
“From what you have seen, the way the group organised themselves, you could see the transparency with which they have run this programme, compared with what the Federal Government claims to be spending on palliatives. This is chicken change, and a drop in the ocean, but if we do things properly in this country, we know there are challenges, things will go well, but with the current leadership, we are not helping ourselves.
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“We are not helping Nigerians. Look at how we have run this programme. I hope the Federal Government will come and learn from here, because this is what I have always argued. People know what they want.
“We made the resources available, got the people to organise themselves, and you see the way they have handled it. They even procured from the local markets, thereby boosting the local economy.
“From the little that we gave to them, see how many families have benefited. So, it is about transparency, honesty, and our willingness to serve the public good.”
The chairman of CAN in Edo state, Apostle Irekpono Omoike, in his remarks, disclosed that 60,000 bags of 10-kilogramme rice were distributed in the first phase, while 56,250 bags were distributed in the second phase, an indication that 116,250 families had so far benefitted from the initiative.
Omoike also pleaded with Obaseki to ensure security for Edo residents, especially the farmers, for them to go back to their farms, rather than waiting to be given fishes, which was described as not being sustainable.