COVID-19: FCTA commences distribution of palliatives April 17

The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, has said that plans have been concluded to commence the distribution of palliative items to the vulnerable in rural communities within the territory.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting with graded chiefs in the six area councils as well as representatives of religious and political leaders, she revealed that the FCT Administration is set to commence the exercise in Abaji Area Council on April 17.

Aliyu said the decision to begin with Abaji was to test-run the palliative items distribution in regards to security personnel and logistics with a view to improving on any identified mistakes in subsequent exercises.

The minister had directed the council chairmen, traditional rulers and the religious leaders to suggest the best way that the palliative items would reach those who genuinely need them in their domains at this critical period of the sit-at-home directive of the federal government.

Furthermore, she disclosed that the administration is determined to ensure strict compliance of the presidential sit-at-home order in each area council, to pave way for a hitch- free distribution of the palliative items to the vulnerable in rural communities.

“In our wisdom, considering the daunting task of our royal fathers, considering the responsibilities vested on you, we have come to a stage where we have to sit down with you and rob minds together on how to reach-out to our people.

“The reason for this meeting today is to discuss the burning issue of the palliative distribution to our people seamlessly and the strategy we have adopted. Hopefully, after this pandemic, we will come out stronger.

“By the grace of God, we are ready to go. We have what it takes in our reservoir to distribute to all our vulnerable in the FCT.

“We felt this is the right time to discuss with our royal fathers on the modalities of distribution. We want to seek your advice from your reservoir of knowledge and wisdom to guide us properly.

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“However, we don’t want to expose people to the danger of COVID-19 in the guise of sharing palliatives. Therefore, we have drawn up our strategy. It is proposed that the palliative items distribution will commence in Abaji on April 17.

“Abaji is targeted because it has the smallest population and one of the poorest area councils in the FCT by our data.

“The outcome of Abaji distribution will enable us evaluate our performance. During the distribution, the security will be mobilized and lockdown each area council to enable us move from house to house.”

Speaking on behalf of other traditional rulers, the Ona of Abaji, who is also the Chairman of the Councils of Chiefs, Adamu Yunusa, pledged the support of all graded chiefs to ensure the success of the exercise.