The Oyo State Government has launched the second phase of its Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) programme, distributing 10,000 bags of rice to 30,000 residents across the state in a bid to ease the burden of poverty and rising food insecurity.
The launch of the food relief distribution took place at the Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, and was led by Professor Musibau Babatunde, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and Secretary of the SAfER Committee.
Professor Babatunde explained that the initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to cushion the effects of economic hardship and improve the welfare of vulnerable residents, including widows, the elderly, people living with disabilities, and the underprivileged.
“This ceremony is a symbolic presentation of rice that the Aliko Dangote Foundation gave to Oyo State,” he said. “We are already in the second phase of SAfER, a key initiative introduced by the governor to alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods. We’re expecting around 30,000 beneficiaries from across all 33 local government areas.”
He informed that the food relief is not just a government effort but a product of strategic collaboration with the private sector, particularly the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
Representing the foundation at the event, Mr. Edero Victor Ejiro, Head of Operations, said the rice distribution is part of a national initiative launched in 2024 to provide one million 10kg bags of rice to vulnerable Nigerians, including widows and those facing extreme hardship.
“This partnership with Oyo State reflects our commitment to reaching those most affected by economic challenges,” Ejiro said.
The SAfER programme, launched by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, continues to focus on economic resilience through targeted interventions, especially for the state’s most disadvantaged populations.
