Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the sum of N2 billion as an additional intervention fund to enhance food security and cushion the effects of economic challenges for the people of the state.
This was disclosed by the state’s commissioner for information and orientation, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, after a meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) presided over by the governor on Tuesday.
He said the state government has started distributing food commodities received from the federal government to vulnerable residents, with subsidized food sales taking place at designated markets across the three senatorial districts.
Also, the commissioner for agriculture and forestry, Mr Olayato Aribo, added that the food items have been allocated to the 18 local government areas of the state.
Subsequently, Aribo highlighted that the state government has initiated neighbourhood markets where food is sold at reduced prices every Thursday and Sunday in the three senatorial districts, providing relief from the high costs in regular markets.
He said “We will start with those and later extend it to other cities and local government headquarters. Rice, beans, and garri will be sold at reasonable and subsidised prices for the people and modalities will be given later.
“For the long-term solution, the council approved the sum of N2 billion for various initiatives including clearing of lands and provision of farming equipment. We have identified lands across various local government areas and we have also identified dams and water boards across the state.”
