The Sokoto State Government has approved ₦1 billion for its 2026 Ramadan Feeding Programme, with plans to provide 34,000 plates of food daily to vulnerable residents across the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu flagged off the programme on Sunday at the History Bureau in Sokoto, describing it as an important social intervention designed to ease the burden on fasting Muslims and promote compassion, unity and community support during the holy month.
According to the governor, the state increased the number of feeding centres from 155 to 170 due to public demand. Each centre is expected to cater to about 200 beneficiaries at a time.
Aliyu assured residents that the meals would be hygienic, properly packaged and of good quality, adding that ad-hoc staff had been employed to ensure smooth operations throughout Ramadan.
“I can assure you all that the meals would be hygienic, well-packaged and of high quality. Ad-hoc staff have been engaged to ensure smooth operations throughout Ramadan,” he said.
The governor explained that the feeding programme is part of his administration’s broader social welfare agenda aimed at promoting Islamic values, including the rehabilitation of mosques and schools and the payment of monthly allowances to Jumu’ah mosques.
He also appealed to religious bodies, philanthropists and members of the public to support the less privileged, stressing that collective responsibility is necessary to ensure no one goes hungry during Ramadan.
Aliyu noted that the initiative, which began 19 years ago under former governor Aliyu Wamakko, has remained a major relief programme for thousands of residents and reflects the state’s continued commitment to poverty alleviation.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Ramadan Feeding Committee, Aliyu Attahiru, said all necessary logistics had been put in place to guarantee transparency and effective service delivery.
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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 praised the governor for his dedication to social welfare and assured him of royal support and prayers.
The event attracted top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars and community leaders. It ended with the distribution of food items to designated centres, marking the official commencement of the 2026 Ramadan Feeding Programme.
