Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki, along with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and other Christian bodies in the state, have launched the second phase of the Christian Feeding Programme (CFP), which will distribute 56,250 kilogrammes of rice across the three senatorial districts to alleviate people’s suffering.
The governor, who began the distribution in Edo South Senatorial District, inspected the warehouse at the Dioceses of Benin Anglican Communion on Evbiemwen Street in Benin City, where Apostle Irekpono Omoike, the state’s CAN chairman, provided the governor with a breakdown of the distribution to the state’s senatorial districts.
The rice distribution in phase two is as follows: Edo South will receive 21,875 bags, Edo Central will receive 15,625, and Edo North will receive 18,750. The second phase will distribute a total of 56,250 sacks of rice.
Obaseki stated that the initial phase of the program began roughly three months ago to assist alleviate hardship in the country.
He congratulated the Christian leaders for their dedication to making the programme a success. He stated that the initiative has nothing to do with politics and is being managed by the Church itself.
Obaseki asked the Federal Government to follow Edo State’s example, citing the success of the Christian Feeding Programme, which he claims has reached over 50,000 families.
“If things are done right in our country, the nation’s resources will go a long way towards serving the people. We understand that there are issues, but the current government is not assisting Nigerians. Consider how this program has been run successfully and transparently. The federal government should learn from Edo State.
“The CFP organisation has been effective in providing meals to around 50,000 families. It is about transparency, honesty, and a determination to serve the people over private interests. This is a drop in the ocean compared to what the federal government professes to be doing. The globe is currently challenged, but the government must be honest and open in order for people to trust and collaborate with them to solve the problem.
“We appeal to the public not to take any actions that may exacerbate our current position. In the next days, we will be travelling around talking to our workers and citizens about how to handle this issue so that they do not cause themselves any more problems.
“This programme will be divided into three sections. We have completed the first step, and the second phase will remedy some of the faults made in the first phase as trust is created. It’s also to build on what we’ve accomplished in the first phase.”
The governor stated that the third phase of the program will allow his administration to enrol individuals in the conditional cash transfer, skilled program, agriculture, trade, microfinance, and other initiatives.
On his part, the CAN chairman praised the governor for his generosity and palliative warning about the implications of subsidy elimination on the people.
He stated that the governor has launched a comprehensive palliative program to alleviate the load and misery in the land, and that the CFP is part of it.