From Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
As Muslims across the globe prepare to start the Ramadan fast this week, the Sokoto State Government has disclosed that it will be spending N998million in free feeding programme for the faithful in the state.
The state Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, who made this disclosure on Tuesday at the inauguration of Ramadan Feeding Committee, added that feeding centres have been increased to 155 from the initial 130.
The governor said: “As you all know, Ramadan feeding programme was first initiated by my mentor and father, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, when he was the governor of the state.
“”It is in the realization of the importance of this programme, that this administration decided to sustain the gesture so as to help the vulnerable, the poor, the needy and the physically challenged persons to have a place to break their fast on daily basis””.
Continuing, the governor said no fewer than 20,000 people are expected to break their fast in each of the 155 free feeding centres on daily basis for the 30 days duration of the Ramadan.
He added that the gesture will also provide job opportunity for no fewer than 610 women and another 1,500 ad hoc staff.
Recalling that his government had earlier distributed 990 bags of maize and 50,000 to each of the clerics of 90 Juma’at Mosques across Sokoto metropolis, the governor said he had equally directed the distribution of financial assistance to key Islamic groups in the state.
”These funds are intended to support and uplift our Islamic scholars, leaders and educators who play an essential role in guiding our community through this blessed month and beyond.The distribution formula is as follows: N200,000 each to 300 senior Islamic scholars; N100,000 each to 100 Ulamas; N50,000 each to 2,900 Malaman Zaure across the 23 local governments of our state, with at least 10 Malams in each ward,” Governor Ahmed disclosed.
While calling on wealthy individuals in the state to also open free feeding centres to receive reward from God in this Ramadan period, the governor however, appealed to all and sundry to use the holy fasting month to pray against banditry, insecurity and all forms of criminality in the state and Nigeria at large.
Speaking earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended the Sokoto State government for its continued support to the upliftment of religious activities in the state.
The Sultan, who was represented by the Sarkin Malamai Sokoto, Alhaji Buhari Namalam Boyi, appealed to all and sundry to imbibe the true tenets of the religion and remain steadfastly upright in their dealings with all.
On his part, the state Commissioner of Religious Affairs, Dr Jabir Maihula, noted that the state government is delivering good governance to the people of the state as enshrined in their campaign promises.
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