The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has stated that the difficult economic measures implemented by President Bola Tinubu are the only viable approach for addressing the nation’s challenges.
Momoh claimed that it is typical for President Tinubu, whom he described as having the country’s best interests at heart, to make significant decisions for the welfare of the populace.
He made these remarks on Sunday during the launch of the distribution of relief supplies and palliatives valued in the millions of naira, aimed at assisting residents impacted by the recent flooding in the nine states of the Niger Delta region in Akure.
The minister asserted that the economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu would soon yield positive results for the Nigerian people.
“The decisions being taken are painful, but that is the only way by which we can address the problems that have been facing this country. If you want Nigeria to thrive, you must take far-reaching decisions that will initially inflict pains on the people of our country.
“In a very short time, you will begin to see the effects of the decision or the policies of the federal government that have been taken so far.
“I want us to continue to pray for our president because the president means very well for Nigeria. If Nigeria is not better during this administration, it means we are cursed,” Momoh said.
The distribution was officially launched by Momoh, who stated that the relief supplies provided by the federal government aim to mitigate the impact of the flooding on the affected individuals.
The minister disclosed that President Tinubu, demonstrating his concern and compassion for the residents of the Niger Delta region, has recently authorized the provision of relief materials and palliatives to assist the flood victims in overcoming their difficulties.
He enumerated several of the distributed items, which include rice, grains, spaghetti, beans, motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, cooking stoves, and smokeless stoves, among others.
“There was a time there was a flood in this part of the country, that is, the entire Niger Delta region, and recently too, there was another flood. He (Tinubu) said, ‘Minister, you have to go there and take care of your people by making sure that you send enough palliatives because when there is flood, there is always a problem.’
“People are displaced. They don’t have a means of livelihood. So he gave approval, and we are doing the symbolic presentation here today. This will take place in the entire state of the Niger Delta region.
“We are handing over to the stakeholders of these very states, which, of course, include primarily the governor, the traditional rulers, and the members from the ministry,” the Minister said.
The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for his support, emphasizing that this initiative would alleviate the hardships faced by the victims and residents of the state.
Aiyedatiwa, represented by Mr. Olaniyi Gbenga, the state Commissioner for Regional Planning and Urban Development, assured that the relief items and materials would be distributed to those impacted by the flooding.
He also highlighted that the state government has implemented all necessary measures to prevent future flooding incidents.
Seun Bosede Osamaye, the governor’s special adviser on women affairs, encouraged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the items to enhance their economic conditions and trade activities.
Additionally, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, the Deji of Akure, expressed his appreciation to the federal government for the assistance, conveying his hope that the items would be distributed wisely.
Recent reports from Daily Trust indicated that flooding had caused extensive damage to properties worth millions of naira in various areas of Ondo, including Akure and Ilaje.
In Ondo town, the affected locations included Itanla, Oka, Odo Ijomu, Bethlehem, and the Akure-Ondo expressway.
