From Muhammad Gazali Garba
Sokoto State Government has commenced the distribution of food items, clothing materials and cash assistance to 18,400 beneficiaries drawn from 87 districts across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
The State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, disclosed this at the flag-off ceremony held at the Government House in Sokoto.
Governor Aliyu stated that the gesture is targeted at orphans, widows and the needy across the 87 districts. He explained that the initiative is aimed at supporting them to observe this year’s Ramadan with relative ease and to pray for the peace, unity and continued progress of the state.
He revealed that 9,200 bags of assorted rice and 9,200 sets of clothing materials would be distributed, alongside ₦10,000 cash support for each beneficiary.
The initiative is being implemented under the Sokoto State Zakkat and Waqf Agency as part of the administration’s ongoing social welfare and humanitarian programmes designed to provide relief and improve the living conditions of vulnerable citizens.
Governor Aliyu commended the efforts of the Zakkat and Waqf Agency for its unwavering commitment to addressing the plight of the vulnerable, noting that the agency’s dedication has earned the state both national and international recognition. He assured that his administration would continue to support the agency to enable it to sustain its good work.
The governor also used the occasion to once again express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as commendable policies, particularly in the humanitarian sector, which he said are positively impacting citizens across the country.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Sokoto State Zakkat and Waqf Agency, Lawal Maidoki, expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his consistent support and commitment to the agency’s programmes.
He noted that the Ramadan intervention demonstrates the administration’s deep concern for the welfare of the less privileged in society.
Malam MaiDoki further explained that the selection of beneficiaries was conducted across the 87 districts to ensure fairness, transparency and inclusiveness.
He assured that the agency remains committed to prudent resource management and effective distribution mechanisms to guarantee that assistance reaches those who genuinely deserve it.
Also speaking at the event, the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto and District Head of Bodinga, Muhammad Bello AbdulRauf, commended the state government for the initiative, describing it as a laudable effort that aligns with Islamic principles of charity and compassion.
He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support and to continue praying for peace, unity and sustained development in Sokoto State.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, Bala Shagari, expressed appreciation to the state government for the humanitarian gesture. He commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable citizens and prayed for divine guidance and continued success for the administration.
Some beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude. An orphan, Hassan Zayyanu Gagi, thanked the governor for remembering vulnerable members of society, describing the assistance as timely and helpful as Ramadan approaches.
Similarly, a widow, Rabiatu Umar, appreciated the gesture, noting that the food items, clothing materials and cash support would go a long way in easing the hardship faced by her family.
