Wife of the Ekiti State governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has distributed bags of rice to households in 14 farmsteads and villages in Ado-Ekiti to cushion the effects of the present economic situation.
Oyebanji said the gesture, aside identifying with the people and meeting their needs, was also an opportunity to connect with those at the grassroots.
She described the beneficiaries as important stakeholders in the task of taking Ekiti to greater heights.
The governor’s wife, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters, Mrs Toyin Adepoju, expressed concern over what the people are passing through, hence the need for the gesture.
She noted that the welfare of the people is paramount to government and that it is poised to put smiles on their faces, especially during the festive period.
Oyebanji said it had become necessary for her and other political office holders to visit the farmsteads and other people from time to time to feel their pulse, and not only during election period.
She appreciated the people for their love, support and prayers for the present administration, urging them to continue in that regard so as to achieve success in all areas.
She said efforts are in top gear to bring social amenities to the farmsteads in order to make life comfortable for them.
Oyebanji appealed for patience, understanding and collaboration with the present administration in order for it to deliver the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the masses.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the localities visited during the distribution exercise include Ugbogun Esumo, Aso Ayegunle, Ago Aduloju, Ika, Ilokun, Irasa, Uso, Igbaye, Oke Aso, Odo, Ujemu, Igbo Aso, Aaye, Aba Iya Medi and Temidire, among others.
The beneficiaries, who were mostly from ethnic groups such as Tiv, Ebira, Urhobo and Yoruba, could not hide their joy, as they sang various songs in appreciation of the gesture.
The community leaders and residents also commended the governor’s wife and prayed for the success of her husband’s administration in the state.
Earlier, the village heads in the various farmsteads had called for equipped health centres, regular grading of their roads, potable water and power supply.
