BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
As Muslim faithful across the globe, prepares to commence fasting this week, Sokoto State Government has disclosed that it will be spending no fewer than 998million naira in free feeding programme.
The state governor, Ahmed Aliyu who made this disclosure Tuesday during the inauguration of Ramadan Feeding Committee, added that the feeding centers has been increased to 155 from the initial 130.
“”As you all know, Ramadan feeding programme was first initiated by my mentor and father, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko when he was the Governor of the state.
“”It is in the realization of the importance of this programme, that this administration decided to sustain the gesture so as to help the vulnerable, the poor, the needy and the physically challenged persons to have a place to break their fast on daily basis””.
Continuing, the governor said no less than 20,000 people are expected to break their fast in each of the 155 free feeding centers on daily basis for the 30 days duration which the fasting will last.
He further added that, the gesture will also provide job opportunity for no fewer than 610 women and another 1500 adhoc staff.
Recalling that his government had earlier distributed 990 bags of maize and 50,000 to each of the clerics of 90 Juma’at Mosques across Sokoto metropolis, the governor he has equally directed the distribution of financial assistance to key Islamic groups in the state.
”These funds are intended to support and uplift our Islamic scholars, leaders, and educators, who play an essential role in guiding our community through this blessed month and beyond.The distribution formula is as follows;N200,000 each to 300 senior Islamic scholars.N100,000 each to 100 Ulamas.N50,000 each to 2,900 Malaman Zaure across the 23 local governments of our state, with at least 10 Malams in each ward””.
While calling on wealthy individuals in the state to also open free feeding centers to recieve reward from God in this Ramadan period, the governor however, appealed to all and sundry to use the holy fasting month to pray against banditry, insecurity and all forms of criminality in the state and Nigeria at large.
Speaking earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar 111 commended Sokoto State government for it’s continued support to the upliftment of religious activities in the state.
Sultan who was represented by
the Sarkin Malamai Sokoto, Alhaji Buhari Namalam Boyi further appealed to all and sundry to imbibe the true tenets of the religion and remain steadfastly upright in their dealings with all.
On his part, the state commissioner of Religious Affairs, Dr Jabir Maihula noted that, the state government is delivering good governance to the people of the state as enshrined in their campaign promises.
