The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will begin the distribution of palliatives to the less privileged on April 9 to cushion the effect of the lockdown, following the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the territory.
FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who made this known while inspecting storage facilities in the Kubwa NYSC orientation camp, Monday in Abuja, explained that the palliatives were targeted at the vulnerable residents and the physically challenged in rural communities.
She also said security measures had been put in place to safeguard the palliative materials, adding that the security personnel would be increased in addition to the establishment of a police post in the vicinity.
“Honestly, if not for the producers that are coming from far places like Kano and beyond, we could have commenced today (Monday), but between Tuesday and Thursday, we are good to go. It will not go beyond this week.
“To me, it is not about rushing to do something but to do it well and effective service delivery should be upper most.
” The aim is how it gets to the grassroots especially the vulnerable and the physically challenged in the society without hitches.
“We have identified capable hands that will do that for us across the structures because we have seen how chaotic it has been in other parts of the country.
” The real poor and vulnerable ones that are desirous and anyone that comes up with a proof and sincerely believe that his family is desirous of this palliative. These are the people these palliatives are targeted at.”
Aliyu said the FCT administration had identified five large stores and five hostels at the Kubwa NYSC Orientation Camp to serve as storage facility and isolation centre respectively.
She said that five trucks of palliative materials are expected to arrive today 6th of April.
“The NYSC camp is closed and every corps members are at home. We have many facilities like hostels, halls and worship centres. We have secured five large halls for storage of palliative materials to be distributed across the territory.”
