I Distributed High-quality Rice For Yuletide, Detractors Should Refrain from Politicising People’s Livelihood – Prince Jimi Odimayo Reiterate
…Reveals Identify of Producers
…Expresses Readiness To Visit The Woman In The Viral Video
Amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the distribution of rice to constituents and supporters in Ondo State during the yuletide, Omo’oba Jimi Odimayo, a prominent gubernatorial aspirant, has reaffirmed his stance on the allegations.
In a statement released by Mr. Victor Adedeji, his special assistant on media and publicity on Tuesday, he emphasized that the rice generously shared among the people is of high quality, branded as Daystar (100% Sortexed parboiled local rice) produced by Millcrest Agro-Allied Industries LTD and distributed by Sunshine Rice Farmers and Processors LTD. The lawmaker personally financed this initiative with thirty-four million (N34,000,000) from his funds.
He added that he equally distributed an additional sum of thirty million naira (N30,000,000) among his constituents and supporters across the state during the yuletide, summing up his total commitment to the people at sixty-four million naira (N64,000,000).
“As part of my annual tradition of giving back to my people, I allocated thirty-four million six-hundred (N34,000,000) to Goldstar rice, a locally produced brand by Millcrest Agro-Allied Industries LTD. Out of the total rice purchased, five hundred bags were repackaged into 10kg portions and distributed across the 18 local governments to my supporters, with additional allocations to other leaders. Notably, there have been no complaints regarding dangerous rice, except for reports from an undisclosed village in Okitipupa local government. I want to emphasize that there have been no recorded casualties due to the consumption of this rice, despite false claims labelling it as dangerous.” The statement reads in part.
Adedeji also said, “In a bid to maintain transparency and accountability, the lawmaker has chosen not to evade responsibility, but rather to confront the issue head-on. By disclosing the supplier’s identity, he aims to initiate a process that will shed light on the circumstances leading to the purported substandard rice, holding accountable those responsible for the allegations.”
“Despite the challenges, the lawmaker has reached out to 203 wards in the state, receiving positive feedback indicating that people are joyfully consuming the high-quality rice except for the report of a mischievous report from an undisclosed village in Okitipupa local government.” He added
Hon. Odimayo also expressed his willingness to visit the elderly woman featured in a viral video, intending to validate the information and potentially educate her about the rice’s quality calling on the people to help him with the address of the woman.
He urges constituents to approach their judgment of the issue with fairness and justice, highlighting that the allegations were fabricated by individuals threatened by his growing popularity in the state, aiming to tarnish his reputation. Specifically, Hon. Olainukon, the Ondo East Coordinator of Omo’oba Jimi Odimayo, distributed the same product of the rice to Odimayo’s supporters yesterday January 8, 2024.
Supporters of Omo’oba Jimi Odimayo across the state in reaction expressed gratitude for his generosity in providing rice, and cash gifts and pledged continued support.
Committing to serving Ondo State, Hon. Odimayo remains resolute amidst these challenges.
Included in the statement are product images and the transaction receipt.
