Some of the beneficiaries with their bags of rice distributed by NDDC
PATRICK ABANG, Calabar –
In a bid to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the people, The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has distributed hundred bags of rice to over 10,000 Cross River youths, women and physically challenged in Central and Northern Senatorial District of the state.
The bags of rice were distributed centrally at Ikom with representatives from the youths, women and persons living with disability from each of the 11 eleven LGAs that make up the both senatorial districts.
Speaking at the event, The Deputy Co-ordinator for distributing the palliatives, Cletus Obun, said the palliative is an indication that President Buhari has not forgotten Cross Riverians, who have always stood with the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Represented by Ernest Irek (in charge of North Senatorial District) and Dominic Kidzu (for Central Senatorial District), Obun said: “We commend the ministry, staff, and management of NDDC for the gesture to the downtrodden in these perilous times.
“We apologise that items came late due to some issues. Recall that there were insinuations in some quarters that that the bags of rice were either missing or would not come. But we state that APC cannot forget the people of Cross River that are very dear to the party”.
“That we have got the items and we have distributed it to various representatives across the north and central with emphasis on the youths, women and the physically challenged because of their peculiarities in their communities, is an indication of our commitment to fulfilling our promise”.
“This is just the beginning of better things to come to the state from APC government. They are other NDDC skills acquisition and training programmes being embarked upon by the commission. We, therefore, urge the youths and women to queue into it and be empowered”.
“For us here, we shall continue to fight for that which is due for us and like Oliver Twist ask for more, the state has contributed immensely towards national development.”
He enjoined the representatives of the various groups to ensure that every person receives his or her entitlements just as he advised those who are not beneficiaries of this phase to be patient.
Some of the representatives of the various groups, who confirmed that they have received their items, said they have shared it according to the instructions and in agreement with leaders of every group.
A youth leader from Boki, Emmanuel Abang, said: “We thank President Buhari and APC for remembering us in this hard time. We would reach out to other youths and ensure that items are delivered to the stipulated individual as authorised by the commission.
Another youth leader from Ogoja, Jonthan Abang, said he led others form the north to come down and received the packages.
Mr. Abang noted that the bags of rice have been delivered across the various terrains of Ogoja Yala, Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku area.
He commended NDDC for their humanitarian gesture, adding that the North Senatorial District has started feeling the impact and present of the commision.
