Zulum, Saraki Distribute Food Items, Urge Muslims to Embrace Service to Humanity

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri 

Borno State Governor, Prof.  Babagana Zulum and former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, have launched the distribution of Ramadan relief materials to vulnerable households and Muslims as Ramadan starts today. 

In Borno, Zulum reached out to 300,000 vulnerable households across the state’s 27 local government areas, in one of the largest social support interventions this year.

The flag-off ceremony, held at Ramat Square in Maiduguri on Tuesday, marks the beginning of a statewide exercise aimed at easing the economic hardship faced by residents during the holy month of Ramadan.

Under the scheme, each beneficiary household would receive a bag of rice, a bag of millet and 10 kilogrammes of sugar.

Addressing members of the distribution committee and government officials at the event, Zulum issued a stern warning against diversion of the relief materials, insisting that the exercise must be conducted with strict accountability.

He said: “These items are not for sale. They are not meant for your friends or family members who do not need them.”

He stressed that the palliatives were intended for widows, orphans, internally displaced persons, struggling farmers and low-income earners grappling with rising living costs. Any official found compromising the process, he warned, would face legal consequences.

Zulum emphasised that fairness and transparency must guide the operation to ensure that the most vulnerable residents benefit from the intervention.

In a move reflecting religious inclusivity, the governor directed that Christian residents observing Lent — which coincides with Ramadan this year — should also benefit from the distribution.

He noted that his administration has consistently supported Christian communities, particularly during major religious celebrations. Beyond annual Christmas food distributions, the state government also provides free transportation for non-indigenous Christians travelling to celebrate the festive season with their families outside Borno.

Meanwhile, the senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan, and the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, praised the governor’s intervention, describing it as timely and critical in light of ongoing economic pressures.

Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ali Abdullahi Isa, assured residents that the agency has put mechanisms in place to ensure a smooth and orderly distribution process across all local government areas.

Saraki, on his part, distributed  food items worth several millions of naira to Muslim faithful and other stakeholders in the state as part of support for the beginning of this year Ramadan fast.

Other benefits from the food items distribution were religious and traditional leaders, party members, youth and women groups, professional associations, as well as less privileged and indigent families.

In a Ramadan message by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki described Ramadan as a season of reflection, self-discipline, and renewed dedication to moral values.

He  congratulated Muslim faithful on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, urging them to use the sacred period to deepen compassion, strengthen responsibility, and renew their commitment to service to humanity.

Quoting the teaching of the Holy Prophet, Prophet Muhammad, Saraki  said: “The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people.”

He noted that the essence of fasting went beyond abstaining from food and drink, stressing that the holy month called for conscious efforts to uplift others and strengthen social bonds.