Osun govt flags off 16th edition of Food Support Scheme

…more than 500,000 households benefitted so far

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola has reiterated his commitment to ensuring the continuation of the food support scheme as long as he remains in power.

Speaking at the flag-off of the 16th edition of the food support scheme held at the Multipurpose Hall, Local Government Service Commission, state government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo, Oyetola maintained that his administration is irrevocably committed to ensuring the continuity of the initiative.

He disclosed that half a million households and vulnerable citizens and their dependents had benefitted tremendously since the inception of the programme last year April.

The governor emphasised the determination of the administration to revolutionalise the economy, saying there are verifiable records to the fact that the administration has indelibly made its imprints in the sand of time towards the enthronement and sustainability of good governance in all the strata of the economy and human endeavours.

Oyetola, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, said the administration was not in any way deterred by the outcome of the election as the implementation of the initiative was in fulfilment of the promises to make life meaningful and worthwhile for the citizens.

While elucidating on the impact of the scheme on the local production and advancement of the local entrepreneurs, Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Olalekan Badmus, said the state government through the scheme had been able to build entrepreneurs to expand the scope of their businesses.

“It is a thing of joy to see that the mandate and promises of Mr. Governor are fulfilled and sustained. Today is another day that is attesting to his promise at ensuring that, on a monthly basis, 30,000 vulnerable citizens are reached with food items.

“We went through all the local governments to look for those that can supply us, and today the scheme has really encouraged local production. We have been able to build many entrepreneurs as many of them have been able to increase their staff strength and local productions. The fund for this programme is the fund for the economy of the state because the money used to finance this is being expended locally,” he said.

In their separate remarks, some of the gari processors, Hammed Adekunle and Prince Wale Afolabi, affirmed the great impacts the scheme had made on their businesses.