Governor Zulum Launches Major Ramadan Food Aid for orno Households
In a significant humanitarian effort, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has officially launched a Ramadan support program aimed at alleviating hardship for vulnerable residents across the state. The initiative, flagged off at Ramat Square, is designed to provide essential food items to over 300,000 households struggling with the rising cost of living as the fasting period begins.
Targeting the Most Vulnerable Groups
Governor Zulum emphasized that the distribution is specifically intended for people in critical need, including widows, orphans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and residents whose livelihoods have been severely impacted by ongoing insecurity and economic challenges. He stressed that the items are not for sale or personal use by officials, but solely for those facing dire circumstances.
Strict Warnings Against Diversion
Issuing a strong warning to officials handling the exercise, Zulum demanded transparency and fairness in the distribution process. He explicitly stated that anyone caught diverting the food items would face serious consequences, underscoring his commitment to ensuring the aid reaches its intended beneficiaries without corruption or mismanagement.
Inclusive Approach During Lent
In a notable gesture of interfaith solidarity, Governor Zulum instructed that the relief should not be limited to Muslims alone. He acknowledged the overlap of Ramadan with the Christian Lent season this year and directed that Christian residents observing Lent should also be considered in the distribution, promoting unity and support across religious lines.
Details of the Food Distribution
According to reports, each beneficiary household will receive a comprehensive package including a bag of rice, a bag of millet, and 10 kilograms of sugar. Additionally, thousands of extra bags of these items have been set aside specifically for elderly residents across Borno State, ensuring that all vulnerable groups are covered.
Official Praise and Assurance
Top government officials and political leaders in Borno have praised Governor Zulum's initiative, describing it as timely support during a period of sacrifice and devotion. Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, commended the governor for prioritizing vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ali Abdullahi Isa, assured residents that the agency would oversee a smooth and hitch-free distribution process.
Broader Context of Humanitarian Efforts
This Ramadan intervention follows similar humanitarian gestures in northern Nigeria, such as a recent outreach by a Kaduna church supporting over 1,000 Muslims and Almajiri schools ahead of Ramadan. Beneficiaries of Zulum's program have expressed gratitude, calling on more individuals and organizations to support the needy during the fasting season, highlighting the ongoing need for community-driven aid in the region.
