By Paul Joseph
For religious inclusion and tolerance, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has ordered the distribution of this year’s Ramadan palliatives to be extended to Christian communities, as the 2026 Ramadan coincides with the Christian Lent season.
Governor Babagana Zulum launched the 2026 distribution of Ramadan aid to 300,000 households across the 27 local government areas of Borno State, aiming to alleviate the economic difficulties faced by vulnerable residents during the holy month.
The event took place at Ramat Square in Maiduguri and marks the beginning of a state-wide initiative, where each recipient will receive a bag of rice, a bag of millet, and 10 kilograms of sugar.
During his address to the distribution committee, Governor Zulum stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and fairness in the process.
“To the committee overseeing this distribution, let transparency guide your actions. Let fairness be your principle. These items are not for resale. They are not for friends or family members who do not require them,” he stated.
He cautioned that the aid is specifically intended for widows, orphans, internally displaced persons, farmers whose livelihoods have not fully recovered, and low-income earners struggling to meet their daily needs.
The governor also warned that any official caught misappropriating the items would face legal action.
Additionally, Governor Zulum instructed that the distribution should also include Christian residents observing Lent, which coincides with Ramadan this year.
He emphasised that this initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and religious harmony.
“This gesture will also benefit non-Muslims who are fasting during Lent, which falls within Ramadan,” he noted.
The Zulum administration has consistently supported Christian communities in Borno State, especially during festive seasons, including distributing food items to Christians during Christmas and providing free transportation for non-residents travelling to celebrate with their families outside the state.
In separate comments, Senator Kaka Lawan, representing Borno Central, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Bukar Tijani, praised the governor for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
Earlier, Ali Abdullahi Isa, the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), assured residents that the distribution process would be smooth and efficient.
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