The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has announced plans to immediately commence the distribution of palliatives to residents. The initiative aims to alleviate the burden of rising food prices and provide relief to communities grappling with economic challenges. The Chairman of the NEDC, Maj Gen Paul Tarfa (rtd), unveiled this development during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, highlighting the Commission’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to mitigate hardships faced by the populace.
Gen. Tarfa revealed that the NEDC would distribute a variety of essential items to residents in the states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, and Bauchi. The palliatives include 300,000 bags of rice, 200,000 cartons of spaghetti and macaroni, 100,000 cartons of sugar, and 100,000 bags of branded mats. Additionally, the Commission plans to provide 100,000 branded blankets, 100,000 sets of men’s clothing (shedda), 100,000 women’s wrappers, 100,000 pieces of children’s clothing, and 100,000 cartons of vegetable oil.
During the briefing, Gen. Tarfa emphasized the significance of the palliative distribution as part of the Commission’s mandate to address the socio-economic challenges facing communities in the North East region. He underscored the importance of these interventions in supporting vulnerable populations and enhancing their resilience in the face of economic hardships.
Accompanying Gen. Tarfa was the Managing Director of the NEDC, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, who reiterated the Commission’s commitment to advancing development initiatives in the region. Alkali affirmed that the Board of the Commission, in its inaugural meeting under the new administration, made significant decisions regarding ongoing development projects in the North East.
Among the key decisions taken by the Board, Gen. Tarfa announced that all road projects underway in the region would be completed, alongside the construction of 500 housing units for the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). These projects are essential for improving infrastructure and addressing the housing needs of displaced populations, thereby contributing to the overall development and stability of the region.
In addition to these infrastructure projects, the NEDC unveiled plans to procure and deploy e-vehicles for transportation in the six states of the North East zone. This initiative aims to reduce transport fares and create employment opportunities for youths in the region. By embracing innovative solutions, the Commission seeks to enhance mobility, accessibility, and economic opportunities for residents in underserved communities.
The announcement of the palliative distribution and ongoing development projects underscores the NEDC’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate of promoting sustainable development and addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the North East region. As the Commission continues to implement targeted interventions and initiatives, stakeholders remain hopeful that these efforts will contribute to the socio-economic transformation and revitalization of communities across the region.
In light of the current economic realities and the persistent challenges confronting vulnerable populations, the NEDC’s proactive approach to delivering relief and advancing development initiatives is commendable. The palliative distribution represents a tangible expression of solidarity and support for communities grappling with the impact of food insecurity and economic instability. As the Commission works tirelessly to implement its plans and projects, residents of the North East region can look forward to improved livelihoods, enhanced infrastructure, and greater resilience in the face of adversity.
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