The beneficiaries of the Food Support Scheme, an initiative of the Government of the State of Osun, on Saturday eulogised the Administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, for prioritising their welfare and well-being.

The ecstatic beneficiaries also lauded the Administration for keeping faith with its promises, and for sustaining the food support scheme which was flagged off in April, 2021.

This is even as the beneficiaries described the gesture as first of its kind in the history of the State.

The State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, had in April this year, flagged off the Osun Food Support Scheme as part of his Administration’s efforts to meet the basic needs of the residents, particularly the vulnerable citizens in the State.

The residents, comprising artisans, widows, the aged, members of the State Muslim Community, members of the State Christian Association of Nigeria, traditional worshipers, people living with disabilities, market men and women, students, youth organisations and other ethnic groups, on Saturday stormed the venue of the distribution, State Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo, to collect the package.

Some of the beneficiaries who couldn’t hide their enthusiasm, said the distribution of the food items for the second time has proved that the administration is committed to sustaining the scheme.

In his remarks, the representative of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo (Igbo community) in the State, Chief Chinaka Ben, hailed the government for extending the good gesture to them.

Chief Ben who expressed satisfaction on the distribution method employed by the State government to ensure equity and fairness said, “We are indeed happy to be part of the beneficiaries of the masses-oriented programmes of Osun.”

Also, the Osun Public Relations Officer, Miyyeti Allah, Alhaji Muhammed Abdulah, commended Governor Oyetola for living up to his constitutional responsibilities since assuming office.

He commended the kind gesture extended to his people, saying the initiative shows that the Governor remains a detribalised Nigerian and a true leader whose passion for the welfare of his people is second to none when compared to the implementation of his policies and programmes so far.

Abdulah said the initiative was first of its kind in the history of the State, noting that the Governor had made what seemed impossible to be possible through the initiative.

He reiterated his group’s unflinching support to the Governor and his government saying, “It is a surprise that despite the present economic realities, a government will still be feeding the masses as done by the Osun government under the leadership of Governor Oyetola.”

According to him, the Administration has made unprecedented transformation and become a pace-setter in human capacity development as evidenced in the positive impacts of its policies so far.

In their separate remarks, the representative of Osun Muslim Community, Alhaji Kelani Raji; the representative of artisans, Mr. Adedokun Waheed; representative of the People Living with Disabilities, Mr. Adebayo Muritala and the representative of Students Association, Mr. Olawale Taofeek, commended the government for the good gesture.

Receiving her package, one Mrs. Kafayat Olaniyi, expressed delight in the social intervention programmes of the State Government, describing them as “masses-oriented.”

The widow noted that the government had met her at the point of her need with the rice she received, just as she reiterated her support for the Administration.

She added: “I am proud of this Administration. I am extremely happy not because of any other thing but because we have a government that feels the masses pulse and sensitive to their welfare and well-being.

“It is not about the volume of what was given but the spirit and positive intent behind it. We have never had it so good like this. I thank our Governor for remembering us in all he does, particularly for deeming it fit to implement this noble programme.

“This is a welcome development and I promise that we the women, particularly the windows and the aged who have benefitted from this good gesture, would continue to support him and his Administration.”

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Regilonal Integration and Special Duties and Chairman of the Osun Food Support Scheme Committee, Engr. Olalekan Badmus, assured the beneficiaries of the government’s commitment to sustain the scheme.

Badmus said the Administration of Governor Oyetola would continuously pursue policies and programmes capable of securing the people’s welfare and guaranteeing a better future for all.

“Recall that the Governor officially flagged off the scheme last month, 1st April 2021. We want to assure the public that the scheme is on course and the State steering committee shall ensure strict compliance and proper monitoring of the distribution channels.

“The government is committed to the people’s welfare and we shall stop at nothing to ensure that the needs and aspirations of our people are met and guaranteed,” he added.