Ramadan: Thinklab GCEO Kori approves N20m palliatives for Maiduguri households
It was a moment that will remain etched in the memories of thousands in Maiduguri for years to come. What began as a routine Ramadan food distribution by the Thinklab
It was a moment that will remain etched in the memories of thousands in Maiduguri for years to come. What began as a routine Ramadan food distribution by the Thinklab Charity Foundation at the Thinklab Estate in Bakassi GRA, Maiduguri, Borno State, on the sixth day of Ramadan transformed into an unforgettable scene of raw emotion, tears of gratitude, and spontaneous generosity.
As the foundation distributed food packages worth millions to 1,000 vulnerable households, the sheer number of attendees, swelling into the thousands, moved the Chairman of Thinklab Group Limited, Dr. Sa'id Alkali Kori, to take an extraordinary decision that would change the course of the day.
Without hesitation, Dr. Kori approved an immediate N20 million in cash palliatives to be distributed to every household that had gathered at the occasion.
Eyewitnesses recount that Dr. Kori, observing the massive crowd from a vantage point, turned to his team with a simple but powerful instruction: "These are our people. They came trusting that we would help them. We cannot send anyone away empty-handed in Ramadan."
Within minutes, the directive was executed. The foundation's logistics team, led by Director of Logistics Abubakar Habulle Usman and Director of Operations Jibrin Sarki, swiftly mobilised to ensure seamless cash distribution.
Beneficiaries who had already received their food packages were called back to receive cash support, doubling the impact of the foundation's intervention.
The atmosphere shifted from orderly anticipation to emotional overwhelm. Elderly women wept as they clutched both their food packs and cash gifts. Men, usually reserved in such settings, were seen wiping away tears as they raised their hands in prayer for the Chairman and the foundation.
With the additional N20 million cash palliatives, the total value of the Thinklab Charity Foundation's Ramadan intervention now exceeds N70 million.
The initial distribution had already seen over N50 million worth of food items and cash given out to 1,000 carefully selected households in collaboration with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA).
The food packages, containing essential Ramadan staples, were designed to sustain families throughout the holy month. The cash palliatives, now significantly boosted by Dr. Kori's on-the-spot approval, provide beneficiaries with the flexibility to address their most pressing needs.
The event witnessed the presence of top management of Thinklab Group, including the Managing Director, Dr. Babagana Mohammed Adam; the Project Director, Dr. Abba Damuna; and the Project Manager, Dr. Mustapha Gambomi.
Their collective presence underscored the Group's unified commitment to the welfare of the Borno community.
Leading the foundation's efforts on ground was the Director General of Thinklab Charity Foundation, Hajiya Amina Alkali Kori, whose leadership ensured the smooth execution of both the planned distribution and the emergency cash intervention.
The initiative was executed in seamless collaboration with BOSEMA, under the leadership of its Director General, Alh. Ali Abdullahi.
The agency's facilitation ensured that the intervention reached the most vulnerable households in line with the humanitarian vision of His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, the Executive Governor of Borno State, under whose leadership and blessings the programme operates.
As news of the additional cash distribution spread through the crowd, beneficiaries spontaneously organized prayer sessions.
In unison, they lifted their hands to the heavens, praying for Dr. Sa'id Alkali Kori, his family, and Thinklab Group.
"May Allah accept this as Sadaqah Jariyah," one elderly beneficiary was heard saying. "We came for food, but we are leaving with food and cash. Only Allah can reward this kind of heart."
Prayers were also offered for the continued strength of BOSEMA, for Governor Zulum's long life and wisdom, and for lasting peace to return to Borno State.
Dr. Sa'id Alkali Kori, a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist with a Doctorate from the University of Liverpool, has long been known for his commitment to community development.
His recent appointments as Honorary Special Adviser on International Relations and Development to Yobe State Governor and Technical Adviser to the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum reflect his broader vision for regional transformation.
But it is moments like this, standing in the midst of thousands, responding to need with immediacy and generosity, that define his legacy.
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Through the Thinklab Charity Foundation, the charity arm of Thinklab Group Limited, Dr. Kori continues to demonstrate that true leadership is not about position, but about compassion in action.
Hajja Falmata Ali, a 67-year-old widow and mother of six, could barely speak through her tears. "I lost my son last year. I am raising his children alone. I came today hoping for a little help. I am leaving with food and money. I don't have words. May Allah bless Dr. Kori and everyone who made this possible."
Another beneficiary, Modu Bukar, a father of five who has been struggling to make ends meet, said: "This is the Ramadan I will never forget. Not just because of the help, but because someone saw us, truly saw us, and responded."
As the sun set over Maiduguri on this 6th day of Ramadan, thousands of households returned to their homes with their burdens significantly lightened.
The Thinklab Estate, which had hosted an ocean of humanity, fell quiet once more. But the echoes of prayers, the tears of joy, and the memory of a Chairman who gave without counting will linger long after the food is consumed and the cash is spent.
In Ramadan, when the rewards for charity are multiplied, Dr. Sa'id Alkali Kori and the Thinklab Charity Foundation have earned more than gratitude, they have earned a place in the hearts of the people of Borno State.