The Benue State Government has come under fire after the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, distributed branded “Alia Bread”, bottles of Action Bitters and cash to residents of the Idoma community on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia of the state.

It was learnt that the distribution took place during the deputy governor’s visit to Igumale, sparking debate over the administration’s priorities at a time many Nigerians are grappling with soaring food prices, inflation and the rising cost of living.

The exercise, which featured loaves of bread branded with Governor Alia’s name alongside bottles of Action Bitters and cash gifts, attracted criticism from members of the public who questioned the appropriateness of such gestures amid worsening economic conditions.

Critics argued that while food donations may offer temporary relief, they do little to address the broader socio-economic challenges confronting residents. They maintained that greater attention should be devoted to sustainable programmes capable of creating jobs, boosting agricultural production, strengthening food security and reducing poverty across the state.

However, responding to the criticism, Ode defended the exercise, insisting that the bread distribution was merely a goodwill gesture to appreciate residents who turned out to welcome him during the visit.

“The controversy over whether I gave bread to the people is not an issue,” he said.

“When we were young, whenever our parents travelled or visitors came, what we looked forward to receiving was bread. It was a token which I took to the people who came to receive me. They were happy. They were dancing.”

The deputy governor further disclosed that he distributed cash to members of the crowd on the instruction of Governor Alia, stressing that those who received the gifts appreciated the gesture and that the controversy surrounding the exercise was unnecessary.

According to him, the administration remains focused on addressing the welfare and security concerns of the people rather than being distracted by criticism over the distribution.

“We want to talk about issues, not those mundane things. What is important is that we are embracing the challenges of the people. We are listening to them and trying to address those issues because they voted us into office for their welfare and security,” Ode said.

He explained that his visit to Igumale was not organised primarily for the distribution of food items but to inspect key government-owned industrial facilities, including the Igumale Cement Factory and Benue Burnt Bricks, on the directive of Governor Alia.

According to him, the inspection formed part of the state government’s efforts to revive dormant industries, stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities for residents.

Ode maintained that the revival of the industries would contribute to the state’s economic development by attracting investment and expanding opportunities for businesses and young people seeking employment.

The controversy comes as governments at both the federal and state levels continue to face increasing pressure to cushion the impact of economic reforms on citizens. Rising inflation, persistent increases in food prices and declining purchasing power have intensified public expectations for policies capable of delivering long-term economic relief.

The development has also renewed conversations over the nature of government outreach programmes and whether palliative distributions should complement or give way to broader economic interventions aimed at improving livelihoods.

The Benue State Government has come under fire after the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, distributed branded “Alia Bread”, bottles of Action Bitters and cash to residents of the Idoma community on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia of the state.

It was learnt that the distribution took place during the deputy governor’s visit to Igumale, sparking debate over the administration’s priorities at a time many Nigerians are grappling with soaring food prices, inflation and the rising cost of living.

The exercise, which featured loaves of bread branded with Governor Alia’s name alongside bottles of Action Bitters and cash gifts, attracted criticism from members of the public who questioned the appropriateness of such gestures amid worsening economic conditions.

Critics argued that while food donations may offer temporary relief, they do little to address the broader socio-economic challenges confronting residents. They maintained that greater attention should be devoted to sustainable programmes capable of creating jobs, boosting agricultural production, strengthening food security and reducing poverty across the state.

However, responding to the criticism, Ode defended the exercise, insisting that the bread distribution was merely a goodwill gesture to appreciate residents who turned out to welcome him during the visit.

“The controversy over whether I gave bread to the people is not an issue,” he said.

“When we were young, whenever our parents travelled or visitors came, what we looked forward to receiving was bread. It was a token which I took to the people who came to receive me. They were happy. They were dancing.”

The deputy governor further disclosed that he distributed cash to members of the crowd on the instruction of Governor Alia, stressing that those who received the gifts appreciated the gesture and that the controversy surrounding the exercise was unnecessary.

According to him, the administration remains focused on addressing the welfare and security concerns of the people rather than being distracted by criticism over the distribution.

“We want to talk about issues, not those mundane things. What is important is that we are embracing the challenges of the people. We are listening to them and trying to address those issues because they voted us into office for their welfare and security,” Ode said.

He explained that his visit to Igumale was not organised primarily for the distribution of food items but to inspect key government-owned industrial facilities, including the Igumale Cement Factory and Benue Burnt Bricks, on the directive of Governor Alia.

According to him, the inspection formed part of the state government’s efforts to revive dormant industries, stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities for residents.

Ode maintained that the revival of the industries would contribute to the state’s economic development by attracting investment and expanding opportunities for businesses and young people seeking employment.

The controversy comes as governments at both the federal and state levels continue to face increasing pressure to cushion the impact of economic reforms on citizens. Rising inflation, persistent increases in food prices and declining purchasing power have intensified public expectations for policies capable of delivering long-term economic relief.

The development has also renewed conversations over the nature of government outreach programmes and whether palliative distributions should complement or give way to broader economic interventions aimed at improving livelihoods.