Amidst the recent controversy surrounding the distribution of rice during the yuletide, Omo’oba Jimi Odimayo, a leading Ondo State gubernatorial aspirant, has reassured the public that the rice he distributed to constituents in the state is of high grade and quality.
He said the rice is branded as Goldstar (100 per cent sortexed parboiled local rice), produced by Hillcrest Agro-Allied Industries Ltd and distributed by Sunshine Rice Farmers and Processors Ltd.
Odimayo disclosed that he personally financed the initiative with N34 million, and distributed an additional N30 million among constituents and supporters.
“As part of my annual tradition of giving back, I allocated N34million to Goldstar rice, a locally produced brand by Hillcrest Agro-Allied Industries Ltd,” states Odimayo. He further stated that the rice, repackaged into 10kg bags, was distributed across the 18 local governments to his supporters, with no reported casualties due to consumption.
To maintain transparency, Odimayo disclosed the identity of the rice producer, to address allegations surrounding the purported substandard rice. He expressed his commitment to confront the issue head-on and hold those responsible accountable.
According to him, he has received positive feedback from 223 wards in the state, indicating that people are joyfully consuming the high-quality rice. Odimayo, acknowledging a report from an undisclosed village, expressed his willingness to visit the elderly woman featured in a viral video to validate information and educate her about the rice’s quality.
Odimayo urged the constituents to recognise the fabricated nature of the allegations, attributing them to individuals threatened by his growing popularity.
According to him, Olainukon, Ondo East Coordinator of Omo’oba Jimi Odimayo, distributed the same rice to supporters on January 8, 2024.
Following the distribution of rice during the yuletide, his supporters across the state have expressed gratitude for his generosity, pledging continued support as he remains resolute in serving Ondo State.
