COVID-19: Kano commences 2nd phase of palliatives distribution to 50,000 households

Kano State government yesterday commenced the second phase of distribution of food palliatives to the poor and most vulnerable families across the five emirates in the state.

The palliatives targeted at least 50,000 households were meant to cushion effects of the ongoing lockdown occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic.

50, 000 households drawn from 44 local government areas of the state had benefitted in the first phase of the programme which was designed for 300, 000 households.

Among the items distributed yesterday were 25kg bags of rice, maize, millet, cooking oil, noodles and sanitary soaps and some token among others.

The food items were part of the materials given to the state by the federal government as well as donations made by individuals and corporate entities through the state fund raising committee.

Speaking during the flag-off of the exercise, the governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended the people for supporting various government initiatives at curbing the disease.

He said there would be no political discrimination in the distribution of the items, saying the items were meant for the benefit of the entire populace irrespective of their political leaning.

He said the vulnerable families were identified with the assistance of community and religious leaders.

Meanwhile, the government has commissioned a COVID-19 samples collection centre at Sabongari area of Kano metropolis aimed at decentralising the sample collection process for quick diagnosis and possible management.