The distribution, with beneficiaries drawn from all seven wards in the district, took place at the council secretariat.
The Council chairman, Dr. Apatira, stated that the economic relief program, the second edition of its kind, is designed to ease the economic burden on the people of the district.
Beneficiaries who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune commended the council chairman, Dr. Apatira, describing the intervention as timely and comforting to many homes.
Bakare Babatunde Sharafadeen, a beneficiary from Baruwa Ward, expressed the difficulties of coping with the high prices of food commodities and grains in the harsh economic reality. He praised the intervention, stating, “It is not easy coping with this economic situation, but for this intervention, as long as it will last, we know we will be relieved. At least it will reach some if not all the households within the district.”
Adebisi Adeola, another beneficiary from Agunbiade Ward, described the economic intervention as timely and a milestone in the history of leadership and good governance in the district. He said, “We are thankful to the council chairman for this periodic intervention. It is a welcome idea, and we hope it will continue in this trend because many residents, not only within the community but in the entire state, are groaning over the increase in prices of food items and grains.”
In his address, Dr. Apatira reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting residents and the physically challenged in every possible way to make life easier for them.
He mentioned that over 3,000 households benefited in the distribution, intended to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy on the most vulnerable among them.
While acknowledging the initiative’s limits in terms of reach, Dr. Apatira emphasized that it is an ongoing initiative, and residents will continue to benefit from economic interventions of this nature.
Apart from the economic intervention, the council chairman also inspected ongoing road and drainage construction works in the Ikate community. During the inspection of a 120m drainage channel and 100m road construction, Dr. Apatira cautioned residents against indiscriminate dumping and unhygienic handling of liquid and solid sewage. He emphasized, “We want development, and we must be ready to abide by sanitation and environmental laws. Every resident must follow the sanitation rule and ensure the environment is kept clean.”
Engineer Ojo Abiodun of Candyrain Construction Company, speaking on the state of roads and the environment before the project’s commencement, mentioned that the environment was messy and degrading. A resident in Adenike Street in Ikate community, Pa Nelson Akpan, expressed gratitude for the intervention, stating, “We appreciate the council leadership for heeding our calls.”
Prince Gbenga Afenifere, another resident, appealed for the council’s intervention in clearing drainage channels, citing issues with waste dumping causing blockages and preventing the free flow of water.
EAD ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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