The Sokoto State Government has approved ₦1 billion for the 2026 Ramadan Feeding Programme, with plans to serve 34,000 plates of food daily to vulnerable residents across the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu officially flagged off the programme on Sunday at the History Bureau in Sokoto, describing it as a key social intervention aimed at easing the burden on fasting Muslims and strengthening compassion, unity, and community support during the holy month.
According to the governor, the number of feeding centres has been increased from 155 to 170 following public demand, with each centre designed to cater for about 200 beneficiaries at a time.
“I can assure you all that the meals would be hygienic, well-packaged, and of high quality. Ad-hoc staff have been engaged to ensure smooth operations throughout Ramadan,” Aliyu stated.
He explained that the feeding initiative forms part of his administration’s broader efforts to promote Islamic values and social welfare, including the rehabilitation of mosques and schools, as well as the payment of monthly allowances to Jumu’ah mosques.
Aliyu called on religious bodies, philanthropists, and members of the public to complement government efforts by supporting the less privileged, stressing that collective responsibility is key to ensuring no one goes hungry during Ramadan.
The governor noted that the programme, initiated 19 years ago during the administration of former governor Aliyu Wamakko, has continued to provide relief to thousands of residents, underscoring the state’s sustained commitment to poverty alleviation.
Chairman of the Ramadan Feeding Committee, Aliyu Attahiru, stated that all logistics had been put in place to guarantee transparency and effective service delivery. The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Jabir Sani Maihulla, urged committee members to discharge their duties with sincerity, discipline, and fear of Allah.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Malam Boyi commended the governor’s commitment to social welfare and assured him of royal support and prayers.
The event was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, and community leaders, concluding with the distribution of food items to designated centres and marking the formal take-off of the 2026 Ramadan Feeding Programme.
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