Gombe Targets 70,000 Households With Ramadan/Lent Palliatives

Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has flagged off the distribution of food palliatives to 70,000 vulnerable households across the state to cushion hardship during the Ramadan fasting period and the Christian Lenten season.

The statewide distribution, which commenced on Friday with a symbolic presentation to selected beneficiaries in Gombe, was aimed at supporting persons living with disabilities, orphanages, religious organisations, party support groups and other disadvantaged citizens.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the governor acknowledged the strain many families were facing amid broader national economic reforms and rising living costs, noting that the intervention was part of a tradition his administration has sustained since 2019.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no member of our society is left behind,” he said, adding that Ramadan and Lent both emphasise sacrifice, empathy and charity toward the less-privileged.

The palliative support was extended to the Christian community in recognition of the Lenten season, which coincides with Ramadan this year.

The governor called on citizens to use the period to strengthen peace, tolerance and mutual respect across religious lines.

Governor Yahaya directed the district heads across the 11 local government areas of the State to be co-opted into the local distribution committees, in addition to previously approved committee members. He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to guarantee fairness and transparency throughout the exercise.

Chairman of the State Distribution Committee and Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mohammed Waziri, assured residents that the process would be seamless and accountable.

Similarly, chairman of ALGON and chairman of Gombe Local Government Council, Barrister Sani Ahmad Haruna, pledged the support of all 11 local government council chairmen to ensure the items reach deserving beneficiaries in accordance with established guidelines.