Ekiti announces free shuttle buses, other palliatives

<p>Ekiti state government on Wednesday rolled out a series of palliative measures to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal to categories of citizens in the state.</p>, <p>The commissioner for finance and chairman state palliatives committee, Akin Oyebode, who spoke while briefing journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, revealed that the governor, Biodun Oyebanji approved payment of N5,000 for the next five months starting from August to 10,000 vulnerable households in the state.</p>, <p>Reeling out the measures, Oyebode also said that mass transit buses would be procured for the free transportation of students and civil service in line with engagement and resolutions with the organised labour in the state.</p>, <p>He added that distribution of food items to the aged and vulnerable would commence later in the month, while financial support for small business owners and artisans has also been approved.</p>, <p>According to the commissioner for finance, other palliatives measure were ” Payment of one year’s leave bonus for State and Local Government workers. Payment of one month’s pension arrears for State and Local Government pensioners.</p>, <p>Oyebode, however, said, “Let me reiterate that our commitment to the people of Ekiti State is simple; the increased revenues from the removal of fuel subsidy will lead to better service delivery from our Government. Mr. Governor remains irrevocably committed to his vision of “Shared Prosperity,” which is being driven by the Government’s six-point agenda, and under his leadership, we will continue to advance our journey towards prosperity.”</p>