Daniel Asama, a National Assembly member representing the Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in Plateau State, has distributed food and non-food items worth over 60 million naira to displaced victims of attacks and other vulnerable individuals in his constituency.
The items, intended to alleviate the effects of the high cost of living, were said to be part of interventions the lawmaker received from the Commission for Refugees through the Ministry of Agriculture.
Unveiling the distribution of the items in Kwal, Bassa Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, Asama stressed that the palliative was meant to provide relief to people given the economic hardships currently being experienced in the country.
“This is to bring relief to my constituents in view of the hardship people are enduring in the country at the moment.
“As a member of the House of Representatives, representing the good people of Bassa/Jos North, I have heard many cries. People frequently reach out to me. My phone is constantly ringing, and 90 per cent of the calls I receive are filled with distress over basic issues.
“People just want small meals, just portions of food to eat, and it pains me deeply. So, this gesture is all about trying to bring relief, especially to the vulnerable and displaced individuals,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that the distribution would occur in phases, with the initial distribution on Friday being the first tranche for 50 beneficiaries.
He added that there would be subsequent distributions for two sets of 50 beneficiaries, to be done in batches.
The federal lawmaker expressed regret and disappointment that there are still displaced persons in Yelwa Zangam, as well as those displaced from border areas by kidnappers who are taking refuge with friends and relatives in Jos and Jebbu Bassa townships.
“There are also many people from the Irigwe Axis in Bassa LGA who have been displaced over the past two years. We may not reach all of them, but we will reach as many as we can,” Asama said.
Asama called on his constituents to offer their full support to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Caleb Mutfwang, stating that the two leaders are doing their best to address the needs of the people.
He further assured his constituents of purposeful and effective representation, saying, “I am in the National Assembly to represent you, and I promise to represent you well by protecting your interests and ensuring you receive what is rightfully yours.”
Some of the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to their representative and promised to use the items received judiciously.
Our correspondent reports that the distributed items included rice, Semovita, spaghetti, Indomie, cooking oil, school shoes, school bags, roofing sheets, school desks, school chairs, and exercise books, among other items.