Ramadan Four northern states vote N16bn for palliatives

As the annual Ramadan fast commenced on Saturday, state governments across the country have rolled out relief packages to Islamic clerics, organisations, and Muslims during the holy month.

gathered that governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Katsina and Kano approved over N16bn for Ramadan feeding and palliatives.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, officially declared Saturday, March 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan.

Speaking from his palace, the Sultan announced that the crescent moon had been sighted earlier that day, marking the 29th of Shaban.

Following the Sultan’s announcement, findings revealed that while some state governments had already begun distributing Ramadan packages, others were finalising plans to commence distribution in the coming days.

Sokoto allocates N1.28bn

learnt that the Sokoto State Government allocated N1.28bn for feeding and distribution of relief packages to Muslims during the fasting period.

The state Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Jabir Maihula, who disclosed this, noted that the initiative was part of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s commitment to poverty alleviation and religious empowerment.

He said the plan included expanding Ramadan feeding centres from 130 to 155 and providing financial support to Islamic scholars, clerics, and religious organisations across the state.

The commissioner noted that while inaugurating the 2025 Ramadan Feeding Committee at the Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Bureau on Wednesday, Governor Aliyu announced that the state government had allocated N998m to feed 20,000 fasting residents daily throughout the holy month.

Providing further details on the feeding programme, Maihula revealed that the budget covered essential food items such as rice, millet, chicken, bean cake (akara), fruits, water and dates.

He added that the government had earmarked N285m for direct financial assistance and food distribution to Islamic clerics, scholars, and religious organisations to enhance the people’s focus on spiritual duties.

In the breakdown, 300 senior Islamic scholars are to receive N200,000 each, while 100 Ulamas will get N100,000 each. Additionally, 2,900 grassroots Islamic teachers will receive N50,000 each, while 150 Islamic organisations will get N300,000 each.

Jum’at Imams will be given five bags of maize and N100,000 each, while Na’ibs (deputy Imams) will receive three bags of maize and N50,000 each. Mu’adhins (prayer callers) are to get two bags of maize and N50,000 each.

No fewer than 990 bags of maize have also been distributed to imams, Na’ibs, and Mu’adhins in 90 Jum’at mosques across the Sokoto metropolis.

In his Ramadan message to the people of the state on Saturday, Governor Aliyu urged well-to-do Muslims to complement the state government’s efforts by establishing Ramadan feeding centres in their areas.

Jigawa doles out N4.8bn

Similarly, the Jigawa State Government announced a N4.8bn Ramadan package to support vulnerable people during the holy month.

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr Sagir Musa, who disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday, said the programme would be jointly funded by the state government and local government administrations.

“The council also approved an increase in feeding centres from 609 last year to 630 across the state. The Ramadan feeding programme is expected to benefit thousands of people,” he said.

The commissioner emphasised that the initiative was aimed at supporting the vulnerable during Ramadan.

“The council has approved a full package of three different meals per person, including Kunu, Kosai, and Jollof rice, with provisions for 300 persons per centre,” he added.

Katsina, Kano vote N10.3bn

Also, the Katsina State Government approved N2.3bn for the procurement of grains and other essential commodities to support Muslims during the fasting season.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ahmed Bakori, disclosed this in a press statement on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in Katsina.

He noted that part of the purchased grains would be distributed free of charge to the elderly, while the rest would be sold to the public at a subsidised rate.

Similarly, the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, disclosed that his administration allocated N8bn for this year’s Ramadan feeding programme.

Yusuf stated this during the flag-off of the distribution of 1,250 cartons of dates donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, on Friday

This was contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, on Saturday.

Borno supplies 250,000 bags of rice

Meanwhile, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has provided 250,000 bags of rice and grains as palliatives to support Muslim faithful during the fasting period and cushion the effects of economic hardship.

According to the Special Assistant to the Governor on Print and Digital Media, Abdurrahman Bundi, the beneficiaries span across the 27 local government areas of the state.

Bundi noted that the gesture was aimed at mitigating the impact of last year’s flood disaster, which severely affected businesses and livelihoods.

He stated that 100,000 people in Maiduguri metropolis and its environs would benefit from the donation, while over 150,000 residents across 25 councils would receive palliatives.

The governor’s aide also confirmed that Zulum commenced the distribution on Wednesday.

Nasarawa disburses funds

In a similar vein, the Nasarawa State Government has provided an unspecified amount of financial support to several ministries, departments, and agencies in the state for the Ramadan period.

A top government appointee, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss the matter, confirmed this to our correspondent in Lafia, the state capital, on Thursday.

“For now, I don’t think any appointee of this administration has been permitted to speak on the matter, but I can categorically tell you that the state government has given financial aid to Muslim faithful across the state to ease their challenges during the fasting period,” the official said.

He noted that Governor Abdullahi Sule, known for his compassionate leadership, did not hesitate to approve the funds for Ramadan support, as he had done since the inception of his administration.

Plateau distributes grains, others

The Plateau State Government also announced plans to distribute relief packages to the Muslim community in the state for the holy month of Ramadan.

An official of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam in the state, who requested anonymity, told our correspondent that the government had assured the Muslim community that provisions would be made soon.

“We held a meeting with government officials last week, and they assured us that they will provide something,” the official said.

The source further revealed that the government would commence the distribution of grains and other packages on Saturday.

“I believe that by Saturday, the government will start distributing grains and other packages to the Muslim Ummah in the state,” the official added.

Osun plans packages for Muslims, Christians

The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the state government was preparing Ramadan and Lent packages for workers.

Alimi stated, “As a government, we have not received any donations from individuals or groups outside the state.

“However, in recognition of Ramadan, which will end with Eid-el-Fitr and Lent, which will conclude with Easter, we have a package for our workers. Distribution will commence in a few days.”

Gombe appoints distribution committees

Meanwhile, the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has established Ramadan palliative distribution committees to ensure the seamless distribution of relief materials to residents during the holy month.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the Government of Gombe State, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi.

Njodi stated, “The development is aimed at ensuring smooth and effective distribution of relief materials to support residents during the holy month.”