COVID-19: BAUCHI GOV LAUNCHES DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVE

August 11, 2020

* Warns against diversion of the commodities

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State on Tuesday launched the distribution of COVID-19 palliative to beneficiaries across the twenty Local Government Areas of the state.

Under the allocation for each Local Government, Alkaleri will receive 6,500,

Bauchi 8,000, Bogoro 3,500, Dass 3,500, Danbam 4,000, Darazo 5,000, Gamawa 5,000, Ganjuwa 5,000, Giade 4,000, while Itas Gadau is to recieve 4,000 items.

The rest are Jamaare with 3,500, Katagum 7,000, Kirfi 4,000, Misau 5,000, Ningi 6,000, Shira 5,000, Tafawa Balewa 5,000, Toro 6,500, Warji 3,500, and Zaki with 4,000 commodities.

Speaking while launching the exercise in Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed warned any person(s) or group(s) against diversion of the commodities as anyone found wanting will be treated as an act of theft or sabotage.

He tasked the distribution committee to justify the trust and confidence reposed in it by distributing the commodities to the targeted beneficiaries.

According to him, the distribution of the relief materials is a very significant milestone in his administration's modest desire of bringing succour to citizens who are victims of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am pleased to welcome you all to this very important occasion to herald the distribution of Palliative Relief Materials to beneficiaries in the 20 Local Government Areas of Bauchi State in our effort to cushion the hardship being experienced by this deadly disease."

"I must confess that government is satisfied with the commendable effort of our Palliative Committee headed by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu, in the discharge of its mandate."

He said as Bauchi is facing daunting challenges of finance on one hand and high expectations of delivering services, his administration is not only managing resources, but partnering with institutions whose mandate provide a window for achieving meaningful results in dealing with peculiar situation.

The governor who insisted that the administration believed in accountability and transparency, sounded a word of warning that the commodities must be handled with utmost care and delivered to its intended recipients.

"I have a third eye on the mode of operation of this distribution. A grain or any component of this palliative commodities diverted by any groups of persons would be treated as an act of both theft and sabotage."

"I want to appreciate the CACOVID-19 and its foot soldiers, the Federal Government and its agencies, our State Committee on COVID-19 and all those who are involved in the fight against COVID-19."

In a remark, the State Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela, who is the Chairman Task Force on COVID-19 and Lassa Fever in the state, said the committee had achieved a lot in the area of effective management of the virus through proper treatment.

"Your Excellency, we want to appreciate you for your support to us. I am happy to inform you that, currently Bauchi State is the best in terms of COVID-19 management and treatment and it was lowest in the area of infection."

On his part, a representative of the Nigeria Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19, Dr. Bello Ibrahim, said the forum is a joint initiative of leading private sector leaders and the Central Bank of Nigeria to galvanise urgent support in the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Dr. Bello Ibrahim said the initiative in collaboration with the state government has laid out an elaborate plan to effectively and efficiently distribute 120 trucks of relief materials to target beneficiaries across the twenty Local Government Areas of the state.

"CACOVID-19 are doing this to help the most vulnerable households that have been affected by the Coronavirus outbreak."

"We appreciate the assistance given by Your Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed, Kauran Bauchi to the CACOVID-19 team in the fight against COVID-19 in Bauchi State and we look forward for your continued support and the details of the State-level roll out plan."

The Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu, who is the chairman, COVID-19 Palliative Committee, also insisted that COVID-19 is a real virus and therefore enjoined critical stakeholders to join hands in the management of the disease.

He therefore reaffirmed the determination of the palliative committee to be transparent in the distribution process just as it did during the total lockdown of Katagum, Giade and Zaki Local Government Areas of the state.