Ramadan: Kano govt flags off distribution of 54,600 bags of rice

Governor of Kano state, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has flagged off the distribution of 54,600 bags of rice to cushion the hardship faced by less privileged residents during the Ramadan period in Kano State.

The initiative, announced in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, was officially launched on Saturday at Maganda Road in Kano.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Yusuf described the intervention as a yearly tradition aimed at supporting residents during the holy month of Ramadan.

ALSO READ: Search for Ramadan crescent on Tuesday, NSCIA urges Muslims

“It is my singular honour and privilege to be with you today for this annual flag-off of Ramadan support distribution for the year 1447 AH,” the governor said.

He disclosed that the intervention would cover all the 44 local government areas of the state and other selected beneficiaries.

According to him, a total of 91 trucks of rice, equivalent to 54,600 bags of 50kg each, have been earmarked for distribution.

Out of the 91 trucks, 44 will be allocated directly to the 44 local government areas, while the remaining 47 trucks will be distributed to selected groups and individuals across the state.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the governor announced the constitution of committees at both state and local government levels to supervise the supply, distribution and delivery of the rice.

“At the state level, the committee is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, while the Ministry of Agriculture serves as the coordinating body,” he stated.

Governor Yusuf also called on other stakeholders, including the Federal Government and well-meaning individuals, to collaborate in easing the economic burden on citizens during Ramadan.

In his remarks, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, commended the governor for the initiative, noting that it would significantly reduce anxiety among residents during the fasting period.

Similarly, the ALGON Chairperson, Sa’adatu Yushau Soja, expressed appreciation to the governor for involving local governments in the exercise and assured that the items would be judiciously distributed to intended beneficiaries.

In a related development, the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has unveiled its first-ever Cooperative Society and inaugurated eminent personalities as trustees of the platform.

The Chapel also flagged off its maiden Ramadan food distribution programme for members.

Trustees inaugurated include Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule; Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa; and the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Mai Mota.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Press Centre on Saturday, former Chairman of the NUJ Kano State Council and National Trustee, Abbas Ibrahim, traced the history of cooperative movements in Nigeria, describing them as deeply rooted in the country’s economic and cultural development.

He urged the Chapel not to rely solely on salary deductions but to embrace prudent financial management and proper record-keeping to ensure sustainability.

The Kano State Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Shehu Sagagi, represented by the Director of Cooperatives in the ministry, Najib Dahiru Alkali, reaffirmed government support for cooperative societies as vehicles for grassroots economic development.

He emphasised transparency, accountability and adherence to cooperative laws.

Chairman of the Cooperative Trustees, Associate Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, commended the Chapel’s executive for various welfare-driven initiatives and expressed confidence that the cooperative would address members’ financial challenges and reduce ethical pressures in the profession.

Representing the NUJ Chairman, Vice Chairman Comrade Mustapha Gambo Muhammad praised the Chapel’s leadership for fulfilling campaign promises and urged members to sustain their support.

In his address, Chairman of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Murtala Adewale, described the unveiling as a historic milestone. He disclosed that the Kano State Government provided a seed fund of N10 million to support the initiative.

According to him, about N3 million has been earmarked from the cooperative fund for the procurement and distribution of Ramadan food items, with each member eligible to access up to N100,000 worth of food items or a combination of food and cash support under flexible repayment terms.

“A financially secure journalist is more confident and independent. When there is no food on our table, the tendency to compromise increases while productivity declines,” Adewale said.

In his vote of thanks, Malam Abdullahi Malam described the initiative as timely and impactful, expressing optimism that it would reduce hardship among members.

Veteran journalist, Bashir Mohammed, and other stakeholders also commended the Chapel’s leadership for what they termed visionary and transformative programmes.