By The Sokoto State Government has approved ₦1 billion for the 2026 Ramadan Feeding Programme, with plans to distribute 34,000 plates of food daily to vulnerable residents across the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu officially flagged off the initiative on Sunday at the History Bureau in Sokoto, describing it as a vital social intervention aimed at easing the burden on fasting Muslims and fostering compassion, unity, and community support during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to the governor, the number of feeding centres has been increased from 155 to 170 in response to public demand. Each centre is designed to cater for about 200 beneficiaries at a time.
“I can assure you all that the meals will be hygienic, properly packaged, and of high quality. Ad-hoc staff have been engaged to ensure smooth operations throughout Ramadan,” Aliyu stated.
He explained that the feeding programme forms part of his administration’s broader social welfare agenda, which includes the rehabilitation of mosques and schools, as well as the payment of monthly allowances to Jumu’ah mosques across the state.
The governor also called on religious organisations, philanthropists, and well-meaning individuals to complement government efforts by extending support to the less privileged. He emphasised that collective responsibility remains key to ensuring that no one goes hungry during the fasting period.
Aliyu noted that the initiative, which began 19 years ago under the administration of former governor Aliyu Wamakko, has consistently provided relief to thousands of residents, reflecting the state’s sustained commitment to poverty alleviation.
Chairman of the Ramadan Feeding Committee, Aliyu Attahiru, assured that all necessary logistics had been put in place to guarantee transparency and effective service delivery. The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Jabir Sani Maihulla, urged committee members to carry out their responsibilities with sincerity, discipline, and the fear of Allah.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Malam Boyi commended the governor’s dedication to social welfare and pledged continued royal support and prayers.
The event attracted top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, and community leaders. It concluded with the distribution of food items to designated centres, marking the formal commencement of the 2026 Ramadan Feeding Programme.
