Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has revealed that his administration has set aside N8 billion for this year’s Ramadan feeding program, aimed at assisting the less privileged during the fasting period.
Yusuf made this known on Friday during the official flag-off of 1,250 cartons of dates donated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano. The announcement was contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, on Saturday.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Farouk Ibrahim, the governor expressed gratitude to the Saudi Consul-General in Kano, Khalil Adamawi, for the donation, noting that this is the fourth time the state has received such support.
“This donation comes at a crucial time when the government is making significant efforts to provide food items to the less privileged, considering the economic hardship faced by many citizens,” Yusuf said.
He described Kano as the most peaceful state in Nigeria, attracting migrants and placing additional pressure on infrastructure, health services, and government resources.
“Ramadan is coming at a very difficult time, and with Kano being the only inland of peace in northern Nigeria, the pressure on the government and the people is enormous,” he added.
Governor Yusuf also appealed to the Saudi government to assist Kano in building a psychiatric hospital and renovating the Displaced Children’s Camp to improve welfare services in the state.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Adamu Kibiya, commended Saudi Arabia for its humanitarian efforts, describing the Kingdom as a strong pillar of global relief initiatives. In response, Consul-General Ahmad Adamawi reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing humanitarian support to Kano and praised the governor for his developmental projects in health, education, and infrastructure.
During the event, the distributed dates were shared among associations for persons with disabilities, Islamic clerics, and other groups.
Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf, in his Ramadan message, urged businesses to reduce the prices of essential commodities to enable Muslims to observe the holy month without financial strain. He also called on citizens to support one another, particularly the vulnerable, and to use the period for prayers and spiritual reflection.
