Zulum Rolls Out 33,000 Tonnes of Ramadan Relief for 300,000 Vulnerable Residents in Borno

Zulum Rolls Out 33,000 Tonnes of Ramadan Relief for 300,000 Vulnerable Residents in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

In a major humanitarian gesture to ease the burden of the holy month, Babagana Zulum has approved the distribution of 33,000 tonnes of Ramadan palliatives to residents across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.

The food items, comprising rice, millet, and sugar, are targeted at about 300,000 vulnerable residents, each expected to receive three bags to support their households during Ramadan.

Flagging off the distribution at Ramat Square in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Governor Zulum said the initiative was designed to cushion the impact of economic hardship, particularly on widows, orphans, internally displaced persons, struggling farmers and low-income earners.

He urged members of the distribution committee to uphold integrity and fairness in carrying out the assignment.

“To members of the committee in charge of this distribution, let transparency be your watchword. Let fairness be your guide,” the governor declared. “These items are for free distribution to those in need, not for sale or for your friends and family members.” They are meant for widows, orphans, internally displaced individuals, farmers whose fields are yet to fully recover, and daily wage earners struggling to survive.”

Zulum warned that any official found diverting the food items would face strict legal consequences, stressing that his administration would not tolerate abuse of public trust.

In a show of inclusiveness, the governor announced that Christian residents observing the Lenten season, which coincides with this year’s Ramadan, would also benefit from the gesture.

“This support will also extend to our Christian brothers and sisters who are fasting during Lent,” he said, noting that his administration remains committed to promoting unity and equal support for all faith communities in the state.

Over the years, the Zulum-led government has consistently provided assistance to Christian communities, particularly during festive periods. Annual Christmas food distributions and free transportation for non-indigenous Christians travelling to celebrate with their families have become a regular feature of the state’s welfare programs.

The senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, and the secretary of the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of the poor amid prevailing economic challenges.

In his welcome remarks, the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ali Abdullahi Isa, assured that the agency would ensure a smooth and transparent distribution process across all benefiting communities.

The large-scale intervention underscores the state government’s continued efforts to provide relief and strengthen social support systems during one of the most spiritually significant periods of the year.