The Sokoto State Government has approved ₦1 billion for the implementation of the 2026 Ramadan Feeding Programme, which will provide 34,000 meals each day to vulnerable individuals across the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu formally launched the initiative on Sunday at the History Bureau in Sokoto, describing it as an important social welfare measure intended to ease the hardship faced by fasting Muslims and to promote compassion, unity, and communal support during the holy month.
The governor also stated that, in response to public demand, the number of feeding centres has been expanded from 155 to 170, with each centre structured to serve approximately 200 beneficiaries at a time.
“I can assure you all that the meals would be hygienic, well-packaged and of high quality. Ad-hoc staff have been engaged to ensure smooth operations throughout Ramadan,” Aliyu said.
He explained that the feeding initiative forms part of his administration’s broader efforts to promote Islamic values and social welfare, including the rehabilitation of mosques and schools, as well as the payment of monthly allowances to Jumu’ah mosques.
Aliyu called on religious bodies, philanthropists and members of the public to complement government efforts by supporting the less privileged, stressing that collective responsibility is key to ensuring no one goes hungry during Ramadan.
The governor noted that the programme, initiated 19 years ago during the administration of former governor Aliyu Wamakko, has continued to provide relief to thousands of residents, underscoring the state’s sustained commitment to poverty alleviation.
Chairman of the Ramadan Feeding Committee, Aliyu Attahiru, said all logistics had been put in place to guarantee transparency and effective service delivery. The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Jabir Sani Maihulla, urged committee members to discharge their duties with sincerity, discipline and fear of Allah.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Malam Boyi commended the governor’s commitment to social welfare and assured him of royal support and prayers.
The event was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars and community leaders, and concluded with the distribution of food items to designated centres, marking the formal take-off of the 2026 Ramadan Feeding Programme.
