Commending the move by the Federal Government, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, expressed their support for the initiative to make 50kg bags of rice available for purchase at a reduced price of N40,000, down from the current market rate of N70,000.
The announcement of the affordable rice was made by the Federal Government on Monday as part of efforts to prevent a planned hunger protest set to begin on Thursday.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere reiterated their appeal to the protest organizers to cancel the demonstration in the name of peace, highlighting that the government has started to address their grievances.
Ajayi stated, “The government has initiated the distribution of 20 trucks of rice per state and mandated the sale of a 50kg bag at N40,000, a significant reduction from the current price of over N70,000. There are reports indicating that an additional 10 trucks have been dispatched, bringing the total to 30 trucks per state.”
“Several states like Katsina, Bayelsa, etc., have confirmed the receipt of the rice, with some already commencing distribution,” Ajayi added.
Furthermore, recognizing the government’s efforts to address the prevalent challenges in the country, especially in the food sector, Afenifere reiterated their plea for the organizers of a nationwide 10-day protest to abandon their plans.
The organization also urged the President to promptly alleviate the plight of farmers in the country through transparent and efficient utilization of the recently approved N2 trillion fund for the Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, with agriculture being a crucial element as emphasized by the Presidential Economic Coordination Council.