Zulum flags off Ramadan/Lent palliative for 300,000 household in Borno
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has flagged off the distribution of Ramadan palliatives to 300,000 households across the state’s 27 local government areas, in what officials described as
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has flagged off the distribution of Ramadan palliatives to 300,000 households across the state’s 27 local government areas, in what officials described as one of the largest food support interventions in recent times.
The event, which took place on Tuesday morning at Ramat Square, is aimed at cushioning the economic hardship faced by vulnerable residents during the holy month of Ramadan.
Under the programme, each beneficiary household will receive one bag of rice, one bag of millet and 10 kilograms of sugar to support families throughout the fasting period.
Addressing members of the distribution committee and beneficiaries at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Zulum stressed the need for strict transparency and fairness in the exercise, warning against diversion of the items.
“To the committee in charge of this distribution, let transparency be your watchword. Let fairness be your guide. These items are not for sale. They are not for your friends or family members who do not need them,” he said.
“They are for the widow, the orphan, the internally displaced, the farmer whose fields have not fully recovered, and the daily wage earner struggling to make ends meet. Any officer found diverting these items will face the full wrath of the law.”
The governor further directed that the gesture be extended to Christian residents in the state who are observing the Lent season, which coincides with Ramadan this year.
“This gesture will also touch the non-Muslims who are also fasting the Lent which falls within the month of Ramadan,” Zulum stated.
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Zulum’s administration has consistently supported Christian communities in the state during festive periods. Each year, the governor approves the distribution of food items to Christian faithful celebrating Christmas, as well as free transportation for non-indigenous Christians wishing to travel to other parts of the country to celebrate with their families.
In their separate remarks, the senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, and the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, commended the governor for what they described as timely support to vulnerable citizens during a critical period.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Borno State Emergency Management Agency, Ali Abdullahi Isa, reiterated the agency’s readiness to ensure a hitch-free distribution across all local government areas.
The Nation reports that the ceremony was attended by members of the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba and Abdulkadir Rahis; the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan; principal officers of the House; the Acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; and other senior government officials.
