Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on Friday flagged off the distribution of food palliatives to vulnerable households across the state to cushion the impact of economic hardship during the holy month of Ramadan.
The governor said the intervention, which targets 70,000 beneficiaries, was part of his administration’s sustained efforts since 2019 to support citizens during key religious periods.
In a show of inclusiveness, he announced that the gesture had also been extended to the Christian community in recognition of the ongoing Lenten season.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Gombe, Yahaya said both Ramadan and Lent were seasons that promote sacrifice, charity and empathy for the less privileged.
“Since assuming office in 2019, we have consistently rolled out Ramadan palliative programmes as a deliberate intervention to support our people during the fasting period.
“Today, I am pleased to announce the continuation of this noble initiative, thereby reaffirming our administration’s commitment to ensuring that no member of our society is left behind,” he said.
The governor noted that the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent underscored the shared values binding citizens together, irrespective of faith.
“As we observe Ramadan, we are equally mindful that this sacred period coincides with the Christian Lenten season, when our Christian brothers and sisters also engage in fasting, prayer, sacrifice and spiritual reflection.
“This unique convergence reminds us of the shared values that bind us together as people of faith. I therefore call on all citizens, irrespective of religious affiliation, to use this period to promote peace, tolerance and mutual respect,” he added.
Yahaya disclosed that the distribution had been structured to cover persons living with disabilities, religious organisations, orphanages, party support groups and other vulnerable members of society.
He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items and called on religious leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in the exercise.
The governor also charged citizens to intensify prayers for the nation and its leadership.
“Let us pray for the success and wisdom of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he steers our nation through challenging but necessary reforms. Let us also pray for the security, stability, unity and lasting peace of our dear country,” he said.
Yahaya further directed that all district heads across the 11 local government areas be co-opted into the local distribution committees to ensure inclusiveness, in addition to the previously approved committee members.
Earlier, the Chairman of the State Distribution Committee and Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mohammed Waziri, assured that the committee would ensure a seamless, transparent and credible distribution process.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state and Chairman of Gombe Local Government Council, Barrister Sani Ahmad Haruna, said the 11 council chairmen had resolved to fully support the exercise to ensure the items reached deserving beneficiaries.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of palliative items to selected beneficiaries and organisations, marking the official commencement of the statewide distribution exercise.
