As the Ramadan fasting is about to begin, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has set up a 32-member “COVID-19 friendly Ramadan” feeding programme committee in the state. Recall that the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has urged Muslims to search for the crescent from sunset Thursday as it signals the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fast.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Muhammad Bello, the feeding programme, is a slight departure from its kind executed in the past.
He added that the committee will be headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Saidu Umar, while House of Representatives member representing Silame/Binji Federal Constituency, Alhaji Mani Maishunku (PDP- Sokoto) will serve as member.
“Other members are: Abubakar Shamaki, Abdullahi Maigwandu, Bello Aliyu, Malam Abubakar Jibril, Malam Abubakar Mabera, Malam Auwal Romo, Malam Lawal Maidoki, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, Malam Bello Yabo and Malam Yahaya Na Malam Boyi.”
“Also on board are: Prof. Mansur Ibrahim, Malam Amadu Helele, Malam Nura Hausare, Dr Jabir Sani-Maihula, Malam Zaruku Masallacin Shehu, Malam Husaini Gandu, Ibrahim No Delay, Farouk Suyudi and Bello Guiwa.
“The remaining members are: Sarkin Yakin Gagi, Ubandoman Sabon Birni, Sarkin Kudun Guiwa, Prof. Sadiya Bello, Malama Aishatu Salihu, Malama Zainab Binji, Hajiya Inno Attahiru and Hajiya Fati Illo.”
It was stated that the programme will follow the stipulated guidelines by World Health Organization (WHO) on the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“Although the number of feeding centres in the state has been increased from 137 in 2019 to 150 this year, steps have been taken to ensure that they are not crowded during breakfast distribution sessions.”
“This is in order to ensure that we observe the guidelines, raw food would be mainly given to the beneficiaries while some selected centres will be designated to provide only takeaways,” he explained.
Governor Tambuwal further said the rise in the amount to be spent from N380 million in 2019 to N500 million this year, was informed by the increase in the number of envisaged beneficiaries and the increase in the prices of commodities.
It should be noted that Nigeria has recorded 873 cases of the pandemic so far. Sokoto state recorded its index case on Wednesday night.
