By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has announced its plans to initiate the immediate distribution of palliatives to residents in a bid to alleviate the escalating costs of food items across the country. Maj Gen Paul Tarfa (rtd), Chairman of the Commission’s Board, unveiled this development in Abuja on Thursday, citing it as part of the Federal Government’s efforts, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, to mitigate the hardships faced by citizens nationwide.
Gen. Tarfa outlined a substantial aid package, including 300,000 bags of rice, 200,000 cartons of spaghetti and macaroni, 100,000 cartons of sugar, and 100,000 bags of branded mats, earmarked for distribution to the people in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, and Bauchi states.
Additionally, the aid comprises 100,000 branded blankets, 100,000 men’s clothing (shedda), 100,000 women’s wrappers, 100,000 pieces of children’s clothing, and 100,000 cartons of vegetable oil.
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Tarfa, accompanied by Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, the Managing Director of NEDC, disclosed that the Commission’s Board convened for its inaugural meeting under the new administration and made significant decisions regarding the over 600 development projects underway in the region.
He emphasized that ongoing road projects in all states would be completed, alongside the construction of 500 housing units for the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Furthermore, the NEDC plans to procure and deploy an undisclosed number of e-vehicles for transportation in the six states of the region. This initiative aims to reduce transport fares and create employment opportunities for youths in the area.
In light of the current economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, the NEDC’s swift response underscores the government’s commitment to addressing pressing issues and improving the welfare of citizens, particularly in regions affected by conflict and socioeconomic hardships.