COVID-19: Gov Ugwuanyi Launches Coal City Rice For Distribution As Palliatives

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Friday, launched the Coal City Rice brand, which would be distributed to the residents of the state as palliatives following the Covid-19 restriction orders in the state.

According to a news release by a media aide to the governor, Mr. Louis Amoke, the rice was an initiative of the state government, and ‘would be deployed as one of the paliatives to cushion the effects of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on citizens of the state.

The launch of the brand was performed by the secretary to the Enugu State Government, Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, a professor on behalf of Gov. Ugwuanyi.

Present at the launch were the state commissioner for agriculture, Mathew Idu, and the special adviser to the governor on agriculture, Michael Ogbuekwe, among others.

Meanwhile, some residents of the state have expressed joy over the unveiling of the brand. One of them, Mrs. Nkechi Okpala, residing at Ugbo Odogwu, Trans-Ekulu, told THE WHISTLER that, “Even though we don’t know when the rice would be shared, at least there is hope because we are not finding it easy here. The total closure of Ogbete Main Market has brought untold hardship to us. Hunger is in the land. The Coal City Rice will be a welcome develppment.”

Another resident, Charles Muo, advised the authorities to target the villagers during the distribution. “Let them use religious leaders to distribute the rice. Using politicians or stakeholders will make it political. We really need such. I hope other palliatives are coming.”