Beyond Food Distribution: Deltans Deserve Transparency and Lasting Economic Support

Iyovwaye Campaign DG, Dr. Alfred Mulade, calls for disclosure of funding, fair beneficiary selection and measurable results.

The Deacon Chris Iyovwaye Governorship Campaign Organisation has acknowledged the relief offered through the Delta Food Bank programme while calling for clear disclosure of its funding sources, beneficiary-selection criteria and delivery records.

In a statement issued on behalf of the organisation, its Director-General, Dr. Alfred Mulade, said immediate assistance should be accompanied by sustained measures to improve household incomes and economic security.

According to a report published by Asaba Metro, the third edition of the programme, held in Asaba on 14 October 2026, supported 2,500 women across Delta State’s 25 local government areas. The announced package included ₦50,000 per beneficiary, totaling ₦125 million, along with food items reportedly valued at over ₦100 million.

The report reviewed does not provide independent audit evidence supporting these figures.

Mulade said assistance to vulnerable families deserves recognition, adding that transparent reporting would strengthen public confidence in the intervention.

“Families facing hunger need timely support. Every woman who receives assistance deserves dignity, and every programme intended to ease hardship should be assessed fairly,” he said.

“The public should also be able to understand where the resources came from, how beneficiaries were selected and what was delivered.”

Mulade called on the organisers to clarify whether the intervention was financed through government appropriations, private donations, the You Matter Charity Foundation or a combination of sources.

He said the relevant authorisations and financial records should support any public expenditure, while private contributions should be clearly identified.

“The funding source establishes who should account for the resources and through which process. Clear disclosure would remove uncertainty and allow the intervention to be assessed on its merits,” he said.

On beneficiary selection, Mulade requested publication of the eligibility criteria, the process used to identify recipients across the 25 local government areas and the safeguards against favouritism.

“Women facing comparable hardship should have a fair opportunity to benefit, including those without political connections. The selection process should be understandable, accessible and supported by a channel for complaints about exclusion or unfair treatment,” he said.

He also called for an account of completed payments and food distributions, including the number of recipients reached, any outstanding deliveries and the checks used to verify completion.

Mulade stressed that accountability could be achieved without publishing beneficiaries’ sensitive personal or banking information.

On the reported food valuation, he asked for a breakdown of quantities and unit costs to explain how the figure above ₦100 million was calculated.

“These are practical requests that would strengthen confidence in the programme and provide a clear record of its achievements,” he said.

Beyond immediate relief, Mulade urged the Delta State Government to explain how its broader economic and social policies would help vulnerable households achieve lasting financial security.

“What happens after the food is consumed and the cash is spent?” he asked.

“Emergency relief matters. But families also need dependable livelihoods, productive businesses, functioning schools and healthcare, affordable transport and reliable essential services.”

He said the programme’s contribution should be assessed through appropriate follow-up, including whether recipients gain access to continuing support and become less vulnerable over time.

“A distribution event records assistance at a particular moment. Sustainable poverty reduction requires evidence of improvement in people’s lives over time,” Mulade said.

The campaign organisation therefore requested disclosure of funding sources, publication of selection criteria, an account of completed delivery, clarification of the food valuation and measurable outcomes for the programme.

“Deltans deserve assistance that reaches them fairly today and sustained investment that gives them greater economic security tomorrow,” Mulade said.

Signed:

Dr. Alfred Mulade
Director-General
Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, Governorship Campaign Organisation,
NDC, Delta State 2027