Kebbi has procured 65,000 bags of foodstuffs worth N580 million for distribution to the needy in the state as Ramadan gift.
Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Shalla, made the disclosure in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday at the flag-off of the distribution.
The distribution is being handled by an NGO, Khadimiyya for Justice and Development.
“As part of our efforts to cushion the difficulties and challenges faced by the people, especially in the rural areas, the state government procured 65,000 bags of foodstuffs worth N580 million for distribution across the state,’’ Shalla said.
He commended the NGO for distributing more than 17,000 bags of parboiled rice to 21 local government areas of the state for onward distribution to the less- privileged.
The commissioner called on well-to- do individuals in the state to emulate the NGO
In his remarks, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Babale Umar-Yauri, who represented Gov. Atiku Bagudu said the administration had been providing assistance to people across the state since inception in 2015.
“More than 30,000 bags of assorted food items have been procured by the state government for distribution to people as part of efforts bring down prices of food items in the state.
“The state government has also paid gratuity fully to retired civil servants for the years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 and those who retired in 2021 will be paid soon,’’ he said.
Founder of the NGO, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, said the gesture was to complement Federal and state governments’ efforts to assist the people during Ramadan.