News

Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, 4 others spend N28.3bn on Ramadan feeding

Published

8 months ago

March 20, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

As Ramadan fast progresses, seven states of the federation have budgeted over N28. 3 billion to feed residents during the period, figures released by the states and put together by Daily Trust revealed.

The states include Katsina, Sokoto, Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Niger and Yobe.

It was gathered that many other states, especially in the North, have earmarked various sums for the project but have refused to make the actual amount public.

This has elicited anxiety in many quarters, with some clerics calling for accountability, considering the humongous amount set aside.

They said even though it was not entirely wrong to support the less privileged to feed during Ramadan because of the reward therein, they nonetheless called for caution concerning the possibility of abusing the process.

Katsina State topped the chart for the feeding programme by budgeting N10 billion.

Sokoto earmarked N6.7 billion, Kano set aside N6 billion, Jigawa N2.83 billion, Kebbi N1.5 billion, Niger N976 million, and Yobe N178 million respectively.

Governor Dikko Umar Radda, who disclosed the amount for the Ramadan feeding while inaugurating the committee that will oversee the distribution of the grains to the beneficiaries, said the gesture was to support citizens of the state.

In Sokoto, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said that the state expended N6.7 billion for the provision of Ramadan and other packages to the people of the state.

Also, the Kano State government said it is targeting four million people in the 2024 Ramadan feeding programme across the 44 local government areas of the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs, Baba Dantiye, said the aim was to feed the less privileged.

Speaking to a national daily, Dantiye said the densely populated Kano metropolis, which is made up of eight LGAs has 90 special centres that include mosques, remand centres, almajiri schools, and hospitals.

He said: “In each centre, we have three women who cook and three men that provide security so that people don’t tamper with the food or cause stampedes.

“In each centre, there are two bags of rice to feed at least 200 people, that is 100 people per bag; there are also varieties such as beans cake and pap and other assorted food being cooked daily and is served between 6.30pm and 7.00p.m targeted at the most-needy.”

The Commissioner for Information in Jigawa, Sagir Musa, said in a statement that the Ramadan feeding programme will be implemented through 609 feeding centres, with a focus on providing three different food items to 182,700 poor and vulnerable people daily.

He said there will be dedicated feeding centres to be established at each of the state’s ten tertiary institutions.

He said that approximately 3.8 million vulnerable persons would benefit from the feeding programme throughout the Ramadan period.

Apart from approving a budget of N2.83 billion for the special feeding, the commissioner said the state executive council also allocated N1.125 billion for emergency procurement of additional rice and spaghetti to ensure adequate food supply across the state.

Kebbi’s N1. 5bn for the Ramadan feeding programme will be dispensed in 69 feeding centres, it was learnt.

The distribution will target three mosques in each of the 21 local government areas, according to the Special Adviser to the governor on Religious Affairs, Engr. Imran Usman-Abdulrahman.

In Niger State, the state Commissioner for Information, Binta Mamman, said that the N976 million for Ramadan feeding in the eight emirate councils of the state was timely.

She said assorted grains have been procured to be distributed to all the 25 local government areas, emirate councils, religious leaders, security agencies, and political parties in the state.

Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, had also approved the sum of N187 million for the feeding of the less privileged and the vulnerable throughout this year’s Ramadan fast in the state.

Accountability key to success of the programme – Cleric

Malam Ahmad Abdullahi, a cleric in Bauchi, said while there is nothing wrong in catering for the people, the issue of accountability must be emphasised.

“Feeding the needy is an acceptable norm all over the world, especially during Ramadan.

“In fact, in some countries, including non -Muslim countries, they give meal tickets to unemployed persons as a temporary measure.

“But in Nigeria, we always have issues with these kinds of initiatives. Some people take advantage of it to steal; others produce poor quality meals.

“So, I want to advise that the governors should fear Allah. The contractors should also fear Allah,” he said.

Speaking to Daily Trust in Abuja, the Chief Imam of Nasirul-Lahi-Li-Fatih, Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) Mosque, Utako, Abuja and founder, Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, Sheik Sharafudeen Abdulsalam Aliagan, said the gesture is good and encouraging.

He said that somebody who wakes up in the morning and goes out to look for what to eat is different from someone observing fasting as a student or a vulnerable person.

“So, instead of these people to start going about begging or doing some very stressful work during the days of Ramadan, the well-to-do, those whom Allah has blessed, Islamic organisations, good individuals, philanthropists, according to the principle of Islam can assist those needy by giving them food, money and other lawful gifts to make the fasting easy for them,” Aliagan said.

He also said that thousands of people are being fed by NASFAT and other Muslim organisations across the country, especially students and other vulnerable persons that must be supported to enhance easier observance of Ramadan fasting.

When asked about the fears that the billions of naira earmarked for the exercise may be mismanaged due to corruption, the renowned cleric said this may not be possible due to the glory of the month of Ramadan.

He said that, while it is expected that those that may be asked to manage the resources would be competent and god-fearing people, it is also expected that those that the monies may be entrusted with would want to earn Allah’s reward and not be engaged in mismanagement of the Ramadan feeding programme monies or other resources.

News

President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit

Published

24 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).

President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.

The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.

He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.

The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.

News

HoR to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence

Published

32 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.

According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.

This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.

“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”

Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*

1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.

2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.

3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.

The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.

*Details of the March:*

• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters

Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.

Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.

News

Police rescue abducted Emirates Airlines Airport Services Manager

Published

37 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Ghana Police Service has announced that Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, who was kidnapped has been rescued.

The Police said the victim is currently reunited with her family.

“The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate, Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.” The Police said in a statement.

According to the Police, a team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family to ensure that everything is in a perfect condition and assured the family and the general public that the suspect will be arrested and face the law

“Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.” Part of the statement read.

Transparent, Rewarding!
The victim was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown men on Thursday ,November 21, 2024 night.

Below is the full statement:

KIDNAPPED VICTIM, SYLVIA PATIENCE BAAH RESCUED

The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.

The Police are currently continuing the search for the suspects behind this incident and we want to assure the public that we will surely bring them to face justice.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who gave us pieces of information in the course of our rescue operations in particular and the public in general for their support and cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.