On Monday, the Acting Governor of Katsina State, Farouk Jobe, inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to oversee the distribution of rice allocated to the state by the Federal Government. This significant step is aimed at ensuring that the distribution process is handled with the utmost efficiency and transparency.
Governor Jobe announced that Katsina State has received 20 trucks of rice from the Federal Government. The state government has arranged the necessary logistics to facilitate the distribution of this rice to the various Local Government Areas (LGAs). This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide relief to the vulnerable populations within the state.
In a detailed statement, the Katsina State Commissioner of Information and Culture, Bala Zango, outlined the objectives and structure of the newly formed committee. The committee will be led by Abdullahi Faskari, the Secretary to the State Government.
Its primary tasks include verifying and confirming the exact number of rice bags received from the Federal Government and developing an equitable distribution procedure for the 34 local government areas in the state.
The committee has been given a three-week timeframe to submit its report. A crucial part of their mandate is to ensure that the rice distribution is carried out fairly and transparently, with a particular focus on aiding vulnerable groups such as widows, divorcees, the elderly, and those in dire need.
The composition of the committee reflects a diverse and inclusive approach. Members include the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Service Administration Reform, the Commissioner for Special Duties, and the Commissioner of Information and Culture.
There are also representatives from the State House of Assembly, the State Irrigation Authority, the Zakkat and Waqab Board, and the Hisbah Board. Additionally, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) is part of the committee.
Security and civil society are also well-represented in the committee. This includes representatives from the state police command and the Department of State Services (DSS) State Command. Traditional and religious bodies are not left out, with representatives from the Katsina and Daura emirates councils, and from the Izala and Darika sects. The committee also includes representatives from the Youth Council of Nigeria, the Nigeria Youths Congress, and various civil society organizations.
This diverse committee is expected to bring a comprehensive perspective to the distribution process, ensuring that it meets the needs of the most vulnerable populations in Katsina State. The inclusion of various stakeholders is aimed at fostering transparency and accountability throughout the distribution process.
In conclusion, the formation of this ad-hoc committee by Acting Governor Farouk Jobe signifies a robust effort to ensure that the rice allocated by the Federal Government reaches those in need effectively and fairly.
The committee’s diverse composition and clear mandate underscore the state government’s commitment to transparency and equitable distribution of resources. The citizens of Katsina State can look forward to a meticulous and fair distribution process, as the committee works diligently over the next three weeks to fulfill its mandate.
