- Governor Mai Mala Buni approved over N398 million for the 2026 Ramadan feeding and Tafsir programme, reaffirming support for vulnerable residents across Yobe State
- The government increased feeding centres from 101 to 130 across 17 LGAs, allocating funds for rams, condiments, clerics’ allowances, rice and cooking oil distribution
- At the launch in Damaturu, officials warned against diversion of materials, stressing transparency and accountability in programme implementation
The Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has approved more than N398 million for the 2026 Ramadan feeding programme and Tafsir across the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents during the holy month.
The initiative, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ethical Re-Orientation, is designed to provide daily Iftar meals and religious teachings throughout Ramadan. The funding approval was announced on Friday as part of preparations for the forthcoming fasting period.
In a significant expansion of the programme, the governor increased the number of feeding centres from 101 last year to 130 centres across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state. Each centre will provide Iftar meals for 100 people daily throughout Ramadan, with thousands of residents expected to benefit from the intervention.
A breakdown of the approved funds shows that over N338 million has been allocated for the procurement of rams and cooking condiments to facilitate meal preparation at the centres. In addition, N60 million has been earmarked for the payment of allowances to Muslim clerics who will conduct Tafsir sessions during the fasting period.
To ensure the smooth implementation of the programme, the state government also approved the distribution of 2,300 bags of rice and 400 jerrycans of cooking oil to the 130 centres.
Speaking at the flag-off of the distribution exercise in Damaturu, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Ethical Re-Orientation, Yusuf Umar, commended the governor for sustaining and expanding the initiative.
“This gesture clearly demonstrates Governor Mai Mala Buni’s commitment to the welfare of the less privileged, particularly during Ramadan,” Umar said. “The expansion of the feeding centres will enable more people to benefit.”
He noted that the programme has continued to ease the burden on families across the state, particularly amid prevailing economic challenges. According to him, the Ramadan feeding and Tafsir initiative has become a dependable support system for numerous households.
Umar also issued a stern warning against the diversion or mismanagement of materials allocated for the programme. He stressed that strict adherence to government guidelines was mandatory and that officials involved must ensure transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
“There will be no tolerance for diversion,” he added. “All officials must handle the items with utmost responsibility.”
Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred month dedicated to fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection, symbolising devotion and submission to God.