President Bola Tinubu on Friday donated palliative items to Christian and Muslim faithful in the South-East and South-South zones of the country to cushion the effect of the economic hardship in the country.

The donation was unveiled in Owerri on behalf of the President by Governor, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.

In a speech, the President said that the donation aimed to support the Christian and Muslim faithful to break their fast.

He said the fasting and prayer period called for charity and that the gesture had more spiritual importance than physical.

Mr Tinubu said, “As we work hard to bring permanent solution to the hunger in the land and high cost of living which is a global thing, the president has decided to intervene from time to time with palliative measures to cushion the effect of hardship occasioned by global economic recession. The government is investing a lot of money in agriculture and livestock development to ensure food security and sufficiency. This interim intervention is to cushion the effect of the gap that is created between the period of planting and harvesting.’’

The governor urged the devotees of the two religions to commit the country to “serious prayers,” saying: “As you pray, pray for God not to allow the president to be distracted. As long as he is implementing his line of programmes, Nigeria will be a land of prosperity.”

He further said that each state would get two trailer loads of rice, amounting to 1,200 bags as well as cartons of noodles to break their fast.

He announced a donation of N5 million support by the president to each state for fuelling and transportation of the items.

He further urged the governors to be transparent in the distribution of the items and ensure that they were distributed mostly to the poor and downtrodden.

In separate remarks, the chairmen of the Christian Association of Nigeria and leaders of the Muslim communities in the 11 states of the two zones commended the President “for being magnanimous” to them during the fasting season.

They urged the government to double efforts and provide an enabling environment that would promote economic development and self-sufficiency for the nation.

The chairman of CAN in Imo State, Rev. Divine Eches, prayed to God to sustain, protect and grant the President the wisdom to continue to provide quality leadership for the country.

He commended Mr Uzodimma for the developmental strides in Imo State and prayed God to continue to strengthen him in his effort to develop the state.

(NAN)