The Kano State Government has earmarked N8 billion for this year’s Ramadan feeding program, aimed at assisting the less privileged during the holy month.
Governor Abba Yusuf made the disclosure on Friday at the Government House, Kano, during the official distribution of 1,250 cartons of dates donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Farouk Ibrahim, the governor expressed appreciation to the Saudi Consul-General in Kano, Khalil Adamawi, for the continued generosity towards the state.
“This is the fourth time the state has received such donations, and it comes at a crucial period when the government is working hard to alleviate food scarcity and economic hardship faced by citizens,” Yusuf stated.
He further described Kano as the most peaceful state in northern Nigeria, highlighting that the stability of the state has attracted migrants from across the region, adding pressure on infrastructure, healthcare, and social services.
“Ramadan this year comes at a very challenging time when Kano is the only haven of peace in the North, increasing the burden on government resources,” the governor noted.
Governor Yusuf also appealed to the Saudi Arabian authorities to support the state by building a psychiatric hospital and renovating the Displaced Children Camp, emphasizing the need for improved welfare services.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Adamu Kibiya, praised Saudi Arabia for its humanitarian support globally and thanked them for assisting Kano’s residents.
On behalf of Saudi Arabia, Consul-General Ahmad Adamawi reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to humanitarian aid and lauded Governor Yusuf for his ongoing infrastructural, health, and educational projects.
The donated dates were distributed to Associations of People with Disabilities, Islamic clerics, and other beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, in a separate Ramadan message, Governor Yusuf urged business owners to reduce prices of essential commodities to enable citizens to observe the holy month with ease.
He also called on residents to support one another, particularly the vulnerable, and to focus on worship and prayers for the continued progress of the state.
