Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has distributed Ramadan palliatives and approved financial support for 3,682 civil servants and Government House staff in the state.
He explained that the initiative forms part of his administration’s broader welfare strategy aimed at supporting workers and vulnerable groups, particularly during the month of Ramadan.
According to him, the relief packages, which include rice, pasta and other essential food items, were provided to enable staff and their families observe the fast in comfort.
He further explained that, the intervention complements other Ramadan support programmes being implemented across the state.
“These include a large-scale feeding initiative operating in approximately 640 centres across 287 political wards”.
“No fewer than 420 people benefit daily at each feeding centre, with projections indicating that over 80 million meals will be served throughout the month of Ramadan,”
Beyond food provision, Namadi said the programme stimulates the local economy, by creating temporary employment opportunities for nearly 6,000 individuals, including food vendors and distribution coordinators.
He added that the government has expanded the programme, to cover the Tsangaya schools, with 562 schools benefitting across the 27 local government areas for the Ramadan.
Describing the holy month as a period of compassion, sacrifice and generosity, the governor emphasized the responsibility of his administration to promote unity through well-targeted social interventions.
The Governor further said the distribution of the food items to workers, reflects his administration’s recognition of their contributions to the development of the state.
He said a cash donation of N20,000 will be given to each beneficiary, with the total disbursement exceeding 12 million naira.
Malam Umar Namadi therefore called on residents, to uphold Islamic teachings by supporting one another and offering prayers for peace, unity and sustained development in Jigawa State and Nigeria at large.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Auwalu Sankara, commended the governor for expanding the scope of Ramadan support programmes in the state.
He said that the number of beneficiaries under the Ramadan feeding initiative, has increased significantly under the current administration, rising from about six million to over eight million people.
He said the annual expansion of the programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that no resident enters the holy month in hunger.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Management is overseeing the distribution process in collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service to ensure transparency and accountability.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to Governor Namadi, describing the intervention as timely, in view of the prevailing high cost of living.
Usman Mohammed Zaria
