Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, on Tuesday flagged off the distribution of 35,000 bags of rice and condiments tagged Ramadan Food Basket to 30,0000 vulnerable households and others.
He said: “This is in addition to the annual Ramadan feeding centers that we have across the state. I am glad to state that the government is expending the sum of N297m to provide food to the less privileged at the Ramadan feeding centers.
“The government has also increased the feeding centers from 85 to 102 this year, with the additional locations situated mostly in the health institutions.
“Other beneficiaries of the food basket include internally displaced persons (IDPs), 1,500 teachers and junior staff of the Teaching Service Board, SUBEB, Science and Technical Education Board, 500 Resident Doctors, flood victims, farmers affected by poor harvests, and other disadvantaged persons in the society.
“Our commitment to the welfare of the people of Yobe State goes beyond seasonal interventions. We have always remained responsive to the plight of our people.
“In the wake of the devastating 2024 floods, the state government in strategic partnership with the Federal Government, and development partners, provided emergency relief, including food and non-food items.
“Today, we are constructing the Erosion, Flood, and Water Harvesting project in Damaturu and Buni Yadi towns to curb the menace of the floods and harvest the water for irrigation. This would be replicated in other areas with flood challenges.
“As part of our administration’s continued commitment to resilience and economic empowerment, we launched two major initiatives in November 2024 to restore livelihoods and foster sustainable development across Yobe State.
Government in November last year provided N1.4 billion in Support for 25,500 Flood Victims and Vulnerable Groups who received N50,000 each, and ₦1 billion in Empowerment to 10,000 Small Business Owners who received N100,000 each.
“While the government continues to play its role in supporting the most vulnerable members of our society, we all have a collective responsibility to complement the government’s efforts to see that your neighbour does not break his fast, or go to bed on an empty stomach.
“We should remain committed to the values of kindness, generosity, and solidarity that define us as a people.
“May Allah (SWT) bless this initiative, grant us a peaceful and prosperous Ramadan, and continue to guide us in our efforts to build a stronger and more inclusive Yobe State.
“I wish to end my address with a call on those vested with the responsibility of the distribution to have the fear of Allah in the distribution exercise to ensure that these interventions reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently and transparently,” he cautioned.
Credit: Mamman Mohammed
