By Suleiman Yakubu

The Palliative Committee in charge of Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State commenced the distribution of the commodities to the beneficiary communities across the 249 units of the ten wards today, Friday.
Bosso Local Government Chairperson, Hajiya Rakiya Ladidi Bawa Bosso, disclosed this to journalists at the council secretariat while flagging off the distribution of the commodities.
She stated that the council received the sum of N100 million from the state government for the purchase of the commodities, and it was collectively agreed among the critical stakeholders in the area that the money should be used for the purchase of the needed grains.
According to the council boss, who also doubled as the secretary of the palliative committee of Bosso LGA, a total of 1000 bags of 50kg foreign rice were bought at the rate of N49,000 each, and a total of 5,229 cartons of indomie noodles were bought at the rate of N5,200 per carton, adding that a total of 2,739 cartons of spaghetti were bought at the rate of N8,700 per carton, to be distributed to the 249 units of the local government.
She explained that the 1000 bags of rice were repackaged into 5kg bags, which she stated would go around the units to be shared among the residents regardless of their political affiliations.
Hajiya Ladidi Bawa Bosso further explained that the decision to make the bulk purchase of the commodities was arrived at collectively after wide consultation with the respective councillors and other stakeholders in the local government area, assuring that the beneficiary communities would collect the items at the appropriate time.
She said the committee also makes a personal contribution of N20 million for transportation, logistics, and loading and offloading of the commodities, as well as security escorts to the respective destinations.
Speaking further, she stated that far off communities within the local government area will be given the needed priority in the distribution of the commodities before the nearby ones. She stressed that it will douse the anxiety that pervades the distribution of the palliatives.
She assured that with the level of security that will serve as escorts, the items will surely reach the designated destinations "without any fear of diverting them.
Also, the vigilante commanders of the community will be there to supervise the distribution", she added.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has felicitated the Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Muhammadu Awwal Ibrahim, as he turns 82.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mal. Bologi Ibrahim, the governor extolled the virtues of the royal father, describing him as a man who has spent his life in service to humanity.
Governor Umaru Bago noted the tremendous contributions of the emir in public service, politics, and traditional institutions.
He said the service of the octogenarian in the development of not just his emirate and state, but the country at large, cannot be overlooked.
He says the celebrant, who was the first elected governor of the state from 1979 to 1983, was able to lay a foundation upon which subsequent governments were building.
"I thank Allah for being gracious to you to celebrate your 82nd birthday. I hold you in high esteem for your immense contribution to nation-building.
"May Allah reward your dedication and commitment to serving humanity", he said.
The governor also prays to Allah to grant the Emir more wisdom, strength, and good health to continue to provide good traditional leadership to his subjects in particular and the state in general.