The Oyo State 3rd Youth Parliament Assembly has officially flagged off the distribution of 10kg bags of Dangote rice to vulnerable youths in Oyo Federal Constituency as part of a statewide humanitarian initiative aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Wednesday at Atiba Hall, Akesan, Oyo, marked the commencement of the first phase of the programme, which is expected to benefit vulnerable youths across the 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State.
The intervention is a collaborative effort between the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Oyo State Government, facilitated through the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development under the leadership of its Chairman, Prince Adebowale Adebayo Falana.
Speaking during the event, the Speaker of the Oyo State 3rd Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Marvelous Oluwatobi Oyekola, described the initiative as a strategic intervention designed to alleviate hardship and improve the welfare of young people across the state.
He noted that providing support for vulnerable members of society remains one of the most effective approaches to reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion.
According to the Speaker, the distribution of 10kg bags of rice forms part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s palliative programme, implemented in partnership with the Aliko Dangote Foundation to provide relief to residents across the various geopolitical zones of Oyo State.
Representing the Chairman of Oyo West Local Government, Hon. Akeem Olukitibi, Ambassador Muyideen Adeyemi commended Governor Makinde for selecting Oyo Federal Constituency comprising Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West Local Government Areas as the starting point for the distribution exercise.
He described the initiative as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to improving the living conditions of vulnerable citizens and fostering inclusive development.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs. Ayoade Rhoda and Mrs. Akinola Kafayat, expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Government and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, describing the intervention as timely amid prevailing economic challenges.
They offered prayers for Governor Seyi Makinde and all stakeholders involved in facilitating the programme.
The Oyo State Youth Parliament also expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Prince Adebowale Adebayo Falana, for his unwavering commitment to youth development and empowerment, while commending youth leaders who participated in the flag-off ceremony.
The Parliament noted that the initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing youth welfare, strengthening community support systems and advancing inclusive development across Oyo State.
