The Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has donated ₦500 million to All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Zamfara State to help them observe the Ramadan fast with ease.
This was disclosed by the Special Adviser on political affairs to Mattawalle, Alhaji Ibrahim Danmalikin Gidan Goga while addressing journalists in Gusau.
According to Gidan-Goga, the Minister opted to provide cash instead of foodstuffs, as other politicians in the state had already distributed grains to their supporters.
He emphasized that the cash donation would allow APC supporters to purchase other essential items needed during Ramadan.
“This time around, instead of giving assorted grains to the people, the Minister decided to give out cash because other politicians have already distributed foodstuffs,” he explained.
He further stated that former Governor Senator Abdul Aziz Yari had donated 496 trucks of assorted grains, prompting the Minister to complement this effort with a monetary donation.
Gidan-Goga revealed that, 200 people from each of the 14 local government areas in Zamfara received ₦100,000 each, amounting to ₦280 million.
“24 APC stakeholders from the five local government areas of Zamfara West Senatorial Zone received ₦250,000 each, totaling ₦30 million”
“90 APC stakeholders from the nine local government areas of Zamfara Central and Zamfara North Senatorial Zones received ₦250,000 each, totaling ₦22.5 million”
Other categories of beneficiaries also received funds as part of the Minister’s Ramadan welfare package.
Gidan-Goga confirmed that over 80% of the targeted beneficiaries have already received their payments.
He noted that beneficiaries from Bakura, Gummi, Kaura-Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi, and Talata-Mafara have all collected their money.
However, only 100 beneficiaries each from Tsafe, Zurmi, Bungudu, Bukkuyum, and Anka local government areas have been paid so far, with the remaining beneficiaries expected to receive their payments soon.
He added that beneficiaries from Birnin Magaji Local Government have yet to receive their funds due to a delay in submitting the list of recipients.
AMINU DALHATU
