The Kano State Government has set aside N8 billion for this year’s Ramadan feeding programme, Governor Abba Yusuf has announced.
The governor revealed this on Friday during the flag-off of the distribution of 1,250 cartons of dates donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event took place at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, Governor Yusuf, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Farouk Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to the Consul-General of Saudi Arabia in Kano, Khalil Adamawi, for the donation. He noted that this was the fourth time the state had received such support.
The governor said the donation was timely as the administration was working hard to provide food items to the less privileged, especially with the economic challenges facing the people.
“Your Excellency, this year, Ramadan is coming at a very difficult time when Kano State is the only inland of peace in northern Nigeria, so the pressure on the government, on the people, on the infrastructure is enormous,” he said.
Governor Yusuf also called on the Saudi Arabian Kingdom to help build a psychiatric hospital and renovate the Displaced Children Camp in the state to improve the lives of those affected.
He praised the strong relationship between Kano State and Saudi Arabia, promising to strengthen the bond for the benefit of both governments.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Adamu Kibiya, also spoke at the event, describing Saudi Arabia as a key supporter of humanitarian causes worldwide. He thanked the Kingdom for its continued support to the people of Kano.
In response, the Consul-General, Ahmad Adamawi, reassured the state of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid and commended Governor Yusuf for his efforts in health, education, and infrastructure development.
The donated dates were distributed to associations of people with disabilities, Islamic clerics, and other beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf has urged the business community to reduce the prices of essential goods to help Muslims observe Ramadan with ease.
In his Ramadan message, the governor encouraged the people of Kano to support one another, especially the vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of feeding others during the holy month.
He also called on citizens to maintain peace and use the period to strengthen their faith through prayers and acts of worship.
