The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has donated 2,170 bags of rice as palliatives to women organisations, youth groups and physically challenged persons in Bayelsa State.
A director at the NDDC, Mr. Nwelue Kelechi, who represented the commission’s interim administrator, Effiong Akwa at the flag off of the distribution of the palliative in Yenagoa said the beneficiaries were drawn from the eight local government areas of the state.
He explained that the gesture was part of the commission’s effort under the leadership of the interim administrator to cushion the economic hardship on the people occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The NDDC under the leadership of Effiong Akwa is witnessing a new dawn.
“The present leadership will do everything at its disposal to ensure that women and youths, particularly the under privileged in society are accorded priority attention,” he said.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor on NDDC matters, Hon Nyenye Mathias lauded the initiative, describing it as a welcome development.
“The distribution of the palliative across the eight local government areas of the state will go a long way in boosting the confidence of the people in the commission.
“Bayelsa State is a major stakeholder as far as the NDDC is concerned, because it contributes a reasonable chunk of the revenue accruing to the commission from the Federal Government,” he noted.
Hon Mathias reiterated the readiness of the state government to partner with the NDDC in turning around the fortunes of the region.
He also disclosed that Governor Douye Diri has directed that the commission’s activities be communicated to the state government on time for effective collaboration.