Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has flagged off the distribution of food palliatives to vulnerable households across the state, targeting 70,000 beneficiaries as part of efforts to cushion the impact of economic hardship during the holy month of Ramadan. In a show of inclusiveness, the gesture has also been extended to the Christian community in recognition of the ongoing Lenten season.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Thursday, the Governor said the intervention aligns with the tradition of supporting citizens during significant religious periods, especially at a time when many families are grappling with economic challenges. He noted that both Ramadan and Lent are seasons that promote sacrifice, charity, and empathy for the less privileged, urging citizens to use the period to foster peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya disclosed that the palliative programme covers persons with disabilities (PWDs), religious organisations, orphanages, party support groups, and other vulnerable members of society. He emphasized that the distribution process has been carefully structured to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability, while directing that district heads across the 11 local government areas be co-opted into local distribution committees to promote inclusiveness.
He also called on beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items and urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to closely monitor the exercise. The Governor further appealed to citizens to pray for the nation and its leadership, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Nigeria navigates through ongoing reforms.
Earlier, the Chairman of the State Distribution Committee and Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mohammed Waziri, assured that the committee would ensure a seamless and credible distribution process.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state and Chairman of Gombe Local Government Council, Barrister Sani Ahmad Haruna, pledged the full support of the 11 council chairmen to ensure the items reach the most deserving beneficiaries. The event climaxed with the symbolic presentation of palliative items to selected beneficiaries, marking the official commencement of the statewide distribution exercise.
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