Ramadan: Jigawa Targets 8 Million Meals for Civil Servants, Vulnerable Residents

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has launched an extensive Ramadan welfare initiative designed to cushion the impact of the fasting season on civil servants, students, and vulnerable residents, with a bold target of delivering more than eight million meals statewide.
Governor Umar Namadi unveiled the programme during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of food items to civil servants at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Dutse. He praised workers across ministries, departments, and agencies for their commitment to service, describing the intervention as a continuation of his administration’s annual welfare support for public servants.
The governor disclosed that the Ramadan feeding scheme is already operational in about 640 centres across the state’s 287 political wards, providing meals daily to no fewer than 420 beneficiaries per centre. The structure, he explained, is designed to ensure that over eight million meals are served throughout the holy month.
Each beneficiary receives a meal comprising Jollof rice, Kunu, and Kose—meals carefully selected to provide nourishment and ease the burden on fasting families.
Governor Namadi emphasized that the initiative goes beyond social support. By engaging nearly 6,000 vendors, cooks, and supervisors, the programme is also injecting economic activity into local communities, creating temporary jobs and supporting small businesses.
In a related development, the governor announced the commencement of food distribution to Tsangaya (local Qur’anic) schools across the state. A total of 562 Tsangaya schools in all 27 local government areas are expected to benefit, with the exercise scheduled to continue until July.
Describing Ramadan as a season of reflection, sacrifice, and compassion, Governor Namadi said the welfare programme underscores his administration’s unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of workers and vulnerable citizens.
“It became necessary to provide these essential items at this time to support our hardworking civil servants and their families,” he said.
He encouraged residents to embrace the values of kindness, generosity, and unity during the holy month, urging citizens to be their “brother’s keeper” and strengthen community bonds through simple acts of goodwill.
The governor added that the Ministry of Social Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, working closely with the Office of the Head of Civil Service, will ensure seamless and transparent distribution of the items.
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to peace and development, Governor Namadi said the Ramadan welfare programme remains a clear demonstration of government’s resolve to improve the quality of life for citizens across Jigawa State.