Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday flagged off the distribution of Ramadan palliatives to 300,000 households across the 27 local government areas of Borno State.
The intervention, aimed at easing the economic hardship faced by vulnerable residents during the fasting season, will see each beneficiary receive one bag of rice, one bag of millet and 10 kilograms of sugar.
Speaking at Ramat Square, the venue of the distribution exercise, Governor Zulum charged the committee overseeing the programme to uphold transparency and fairness.
“To the committee in charge of this distribution, let transparency be your watchword and fairness your guide. These items are not for sale, nor for friends or family members who do not need them,” the governor warned.
“They are meant for widows, orphans, internally displaced persons, struggling farmers and daily wage earners. Any officer found diverting these items will face the full wrath of the law.”
Zulum further directed that the palliatives should also be extended to Christian residents who are observing the Lent period, which coincides with Ramadan this year.
He noted that his administration has consistently supported Christian communities in the state, including annual distribution of food items during Christmas and provision of free transport for non-indigenous Christians travelling to celebrate with their families.
The ceremony was attended by members of the House of Representatives, Bukar Talba and Abdulkadir Rahis; the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdkarim Lawan; the Acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, and other senior government officials.
