The Gombe State Government has commenced the distribution of essential food items to vulnerable groups across the state to cushion the effects of economic hardship during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Chairman of the Ramadan Palliative Distribution Committee, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, who flagged off the exercise on Saturday, said the initiative was in line with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s directive to ensure that food items from the state’s reserves are immediately distributed to those in need.
He listed the food items to be distributed as 30,355 bags of rice, 6,880 bags of maize, 3,360 bags of millet, 2,880 bags of sugar, 3,380 cartons of spaghetti, and 2,688 gallons of vegetable oil.
Luggerewo, who is also the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, said the exercise underscores the governor’s commitment to inclusive governance and social welfare.
“This distribution of palliatives is a reflection of His Excellency’s generosity and deep concern for his people, especially during this sacred month of Ramadan,” he said.
He assured that a well-structured framework had been put in place to ensure fair and transparent distribution at the local government and ward levels.
The Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Haruna Abdullahi, who also serves as Secretary of the Distribution Committee, said the agency would ensure due process in the exercise.
He added that measures had been adopted to ensure accountability and transparency in the distribution process.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Sale Danburam, thanked the state government for the intervention, saying it would help many households observe Ramadan with ease.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of the Association of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Bala Jibrin Zannah, commended the government for including PWDs in the distribution process.
He noted that the initiative would enable their members to focus on worship during Ramadan rather than seeking alms.
“This is indeed commendable, as Gombe State has become the first to establish a Disability Commission,” he said.
The food distribution is expected to reach beneficiaries at the grassroots level as local government areas commence allocations to wards.
