Igbogbo-Baiyeku flags-off Food Bank initiative , distributes food packs to 3,000 residents 

By Bose Adelaja 

CITIZENS COMPASS – Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, on Thursday, August 3, 2023, flagged-off its Food Bank initiative by distributing 3,000 food packs to residents. 

The event took place under the umbrella of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Mikkyson Onas Hall, Igbogbo where party chieftains, traditional and religious leaders Community Development Communities (CDCs) and Community Development Associations (CDAs) among others were in attendance. 

The beneficiaries were divided into groups with each having its representatives to collect the food packs for onward distribution to members. 

Not only that, the groups were given the sum of N20, 000 each as fares to and fro the venue of the event. 

In his welcome address, the Council chairman, Olusesan Mayokun Daini said the food packs are palliatives to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians particularly Igbogbo-Baiyeku residents. 

He said the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in one of his addresses has mandated the states, local governments and their council developments to distribute palliatives to residents and the Food Bank is one of the ways the LCDA has chosen to achieve this. 

Daini urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu’s administration which is out to fulfil campaign promises regardless of all odds. 

The Council chairman said the party shares the pains of residents and the Food Bank is a six months project to deliver palliatives to the citizenry. 

In his words, “President Bola Tinubu means well for Nigerians and we all should be patient with him to fulfil his campaign promises. 

Distribution 

Speaking about how the palliatives will be shared among the 3,000 beneficiaries, he said “The Food Bank initiative is meant to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on our residents. We share your pains and this is why the initiative will last for six months. The distribution will cut across various groups that are represented in this hall and the palliatives will be handed over to the group leaders for onward distribution to the beneficiaries,”  he said. 

The council chairman said the committe handling the project will  be transparent enough ,”Today’s distribution will be channelled to citizens and residents vis a vis Christians, Muslims, youths, market associations, CDAs through CDCs, orphanages, Persons with Disabilities and special needs. 

” The food packs are not for sale but to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy on our people.” said the council chairman. 

Reaching out to the needy 

“If you know anybody in your environment who is in need, feel free to share the person’s details and our food packs will be delivered to their door steps. However, the information provided will be verified before we reach out to the persons. 

” Thank you for believing in our party and I want to assure you that the party will fulfil its promises.” He added. 

The Chairman later rolled out a phone number, 09055555279, to enable residents supply information about the needy in Igbogbo/Baiyeku. 

While outlining the focus of the initiative, Mrs Toyin Sonaike, Chairman, Food Bank Committee said within the six months period, the palliatives may come in different ways as planned by her team. 

She also assured residents of transparency in the distribution. “To introduce a project as a palliative, one must have looked at the prone and coins before introducing it to others and that is what the Council has done before setting up a committee.

” The project will run for six months but not necessarily on food any other thing that will benefit the people. Kindly draw our attention to any area we are found wanting. Above all, help us to tell others about the good work.” 

All Progressives Congress chieftain and former Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos State, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, likened the currency situation in Nigeria to a woman in labour,” this comes with extruciating pains but joy comes as soon as the baby is delivered,” 

In his goodwill messages, the Eze Ndigbo of Igbogbo-Baiyeku, Chief Okey Anorue promised that his constituent will back the distribution with video recordings to ensure transparency. 

The Seriki of Igbogbo-Baiyeku, Musa Lawal lauded the Council’s efforts to provide the palliatives. 

In a chat with Citizens Compass, some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation at the initiative.