Ahead of the Sallah festivities, Governor Mai Mala Buni has ordered the rapid and transparent distribution of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Subsidized Rice to civil servants across Yobe State. The initiative, aimed at over 6,000 beneficiaries, comprising 4,200 state and 1,800 federal workers has been fast tracked to ensure a timely delivery before the celebrations.
The rice, subsidized at ₦40,000 per 50kg bag, has been carefully distributed through a stringent validation process involving multiple agencies, including the National Security Adviser’s office, EFCC, ICPC, NEMA, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. This collaborative effort aims to ensure transparency and protect the integrity of the program.
Governor Buni’s directive comes after a few weeks of coordination between Yobe SEMA, the Office of the Head of Service, and federal agencies, as they worked together to initiate the process. Though challenges have slowed the rollout, with only 36% of federal and 51% of state recipients receiving their rice thus far, Buni is committed to accelerating the process.
Dr. Goje Mohammed, the executive sectary of YOSEMA, has urged patience among beneficiaries, emphasizing that the delays are due to a thorough verification process designed to safeguard the rights of every civil servant. The Governor’s office is confident that the remaining rice will be delivered before the Sallah celebration, ensuring all civil servants can partake in the holiday with renewed hope.