What was meant to be a heartwarming Ramadan feeding initiative has turned into a hot pot of disappointment, as Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, paid an unannounced visit to several feeding centres and uncovered a recipe for disaster — with a side of mismanagement and poor hygiene.
With the holy month in full swing, the N4.8 billion Ramadan feeding programme was designed to serve tens of thousands of underprivileged residents across the 287 wards in Jigawa’s 27 local government areas. The initiative, jointly funded by the state (55%) and local governments (45%), was meant to reach everyone from the homeless in markets and motor parks to those in rehabilitation centres.
But during Tuesday’s surprise inspections of centres in Dundubus, Karnaya, Gaci, and Limawa — outskirts of the state capital Dutse — Governor Namadi found a mixed bag. While a few centres were doing the Lord’s work, others looked like they’d missed the memo… and the food, too.
From long queues with no food in sight to kitchens that could make your stomach turn before you even eat, the governor saw it all. Reports ranged from poor hygiene practices to blatant mismanagement of supplies — all in a programme intended to promote charity, compassion, and care.
“I am disappointed, but not surprised,” the governor said, visibly unimpressed. “It is unacceptable that some individuals would seek to cheat and deprive our people of the benefits they deserve.”
Namadi didn’t mince his words. He called the lapses “unacceptable,” issuing a stern warning to those responsible and directing that immediate corrections be made. He stressed the need for transparency, fairness, and proper hygiene in food preparation and distribution.
“This programme is not for personal gain. It is for the people. We must treat them with dignity and ensure every feeding centre operates at its best,” he added.
The governor also charged local authorities and community leaders to intensify monitoring efforts, promising that his administration remains fully committed to the welfare of the people — especially during this spiritually significant season.
As the governor left the centres with a mix of hope and frustration, attempts to reach Hon. Auwal Sankara, the Commissioner of Special Duties (whose ministry is tasked with overseeing the programme), were unsuccessful. Multiple calls rang out unanswered — perhaps he too is looking for answers… or hiding from them.
In the spirit of Ramadan, Governor Namadi urged all hands to be on deck, reminding officials that this is a season of sacrifice, not sabotage.
One thing’s clear: in Jigawa, you may fast by choice — but under this administration, you won’t go hungry by neglect.
