As the curfew imposed on Kaduna state to stem the spread of Coronavirus bites harder, the state executive has earmarked ₦500 million for relief items to the most vulnerable population within nine local government areas of the state.
Kaduna state, which has recorded three cases of Covid-19 since Governor Nasir el-Rufai declared a positive test last Saturday, had a 24 – hours curfew imposed on it last Thursday to stop the spread of the disease, with consequent hardship on the people, who are restrained from going out to seek daily needs.
Kaduna state Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba, told Blueprint on Wednesday that the palliatives which composed of rice, beans, spaghetti, semovita, garri, indomie, sugar and vegetable oil will be distributed to the vulnerable in the communities.
“The Kaduna State Executive has earmarked ₦500 million for relief to the most vulnerable population in the state. Members of the State Executive Council have also made various forms of pledges in addition to that. This is certainly a great donation but we can do with more,” Hafsat tweeted.
She also told Blueprint that, “imams, pastors, district heads, women stakeholders will lead the people who are to pick the vulnerable households in their communities to benefit from the relief items.
“The nine local governments that have been picked for the relief items for now are Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Zaria, Sabongari, Chikun, Jema’a, Igabi, Kachia and Kauru local government areas.
“Those in charge of distribution in Zaria and Sabongari have started distribution of the palliatives, those in the Southern Kaduna Senatorial zone have equally started the distribution of the palliatives, while that of Kaduna Central Zone will begin tomorrow (Thursday).”
Hajiya Hafsat however called on wealthy individuals, philanthropists and corporate organisations to support the programme to enable the state extend the palliatives to the remaining 14 local government areas.
“People are also donating food items and cash to the state government. The contributions are coming through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abbas Balarabe and he will make it public once the contributions have been collated.
“We are hoping that the legislators will also support the distribution of relief items by making their contributions because they are closer to the public who elected them,” she added.
