Palliative measure: Government set up committee to source for fund

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has approved the constitution of a 66-man Palliative Committee to cushion the effect of coronavirus lockdown on the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Muktar Gidado, his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media in Bauchi on Sunday.

Gidado said the committee, which would be chaired by Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman, the Emir of Bauchi, would source for assistance in kind and cash from well-meaning members of the public among others.

He also revealed that members of the committee were made up of the political class, religious leaders, business community, seasoned administrators, union leaders and philanthropists.

“Following the outbreak of COVID-19 and its resultant consequences on the overall economy of the state and the need to augment the efforts of the state government, Gov. Bala Mohammed has approved the constitution of a state Palliative Committee to cushion the effect of COVID-19 in Bauchi State.

“The committee is to source for assistance in kind and in cash from well-meaning members of the public, corporate organisations, government agencies and international donors.

“It will also distribute all sourced palliative materials and money to the needy as fairly and equitably as possible.

“The committee will also submit periodic progress reports to the Secretary to the State Government, on a weekly basis, while the final reports will be expected after the state is declared COVID-19 free,” he said.

Other terms of reference, Gidado said, include discharging any responsibility as may be referred to it by the governor, from time to time.

“It is hoped that members of the committee will bring their wealth of knowledge and experience in the discharge of their assigned responsibility,” the statement said.