Nigerian singer Jaywon has criticized the Kogi State government's move to distribute palliatives to 1,500 widows in response to the rising insecurity in the state.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration announced the distribution as part of a welfare initiative spanning all 21 local government areas. However, Jaywon, alongside many Nigerians online, questioned the logic of distributing food items while the state strugles with widespread kidnappings and violence.

Taking to X, the singer slammed the government’s choice to prioritise palliative distribution, calling it an insensitive move amid rising insecurity. 

Sharing palliatives while citizens are being killed and abducted is not just insensitive — it’s a failure of leadership. Rather than addressing the insecurity plaguing Kogi State and finding real solutions, you’re distributing rice as a distraction. This is disgraceful, Governor Ododo. Anyone praising your performance is only feeding your delusion, not helping the people.

Netizens echoed his frustration, with many mocking the Nigerian government's reliance on handouts and palliatives during tough times, especially the distribution of rice. Below are some replies:

Omo. Nigeria matter na for who don chop come get strength....the matter long. The people get their own for body, government too get their own for body.

What amuses me is the unnecessary photoshoot they always do for this their Shameless act.

They weaponised hunger through poverty, yet people were still managing, but now, ignorance has been weaponised in Nigeria.