Governor of Enugu State Peter Mbah, on Thursday, flagged off another round of the distribution of palliatives in the state, warning against the politicization of the exercise to ensure it gets to the independent and vulnerable people across the state.
Mbah, however, said that the palliatives were a quick fix and efforts of the Federal Government and the state to cushion the effects of the economic hardship in the land while the positive results of the state’s economic policies and programs crystalize.
“However, what we are witnessing here today is our short-term measure, what we refer to as a quick-fix towards our promise to eradicate poverty and ensure zero hunger in our state. We have robust program in place, which will ultimately ensure that we eradicate poverty and kiss it goodbye in Enugu State.
He said: “We have done this before. So, it is an ongoing thing, as we will continue to intervene because we understand the economic challenges and hardship that our people face currently.
“We have instituted several programs in place to eradicate poverty. Our community and social development program, our state’s small and medium enterprise program, and our women program, among others, were designed to ensure that we empower our people economically. As the Chinese people would say, it is better to teach a man how to fish than to give him fish everyday.
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“So, our plan is ultimately for our people to be able to generate wealth, generate employment, and create wealth for themselves. The ultimate thing is for our people to be able to create wealth, whether in the agricultural sector, the business sector or those that are providing services. We are poised to upskill them. And very soon, you will see and also feel the impact of these program.
“For those that are in the agricultural sector, we are going to upskill them so they can increase their production. For those in business and the SMEs, we have intervened in those areas by providing funds
“But while we do those, we are not unmindful that our people must eat the next day, and that is why programmes like this are important and will continue.
“So, what we are witnessing today is a collective effort by the federal government and state government to ensure that we get to the last man.”
Performing the official flag-off after inspecting the foodstuffs, which were largely grains, the governor assured that the palliatives would be distributed from time.
Credible News.ng
