Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON, the governor of Gombe State, has announced the start of a new round of food distribution to underprivileged and needy residents throughout the state’s 114 wards.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced during the flag-off ceremony at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe that this round of palliative distribution is the 17th phase since he took office and that at least 214,500 beneficiaries will be reached across the 2988 polling units in the 114 wards of the 11 local governments of the state.
According to him, the food items are intended for distribution to Christians and Muslims who are presently fasting during Ramadan and Lent.
The Governor emphasized that there was never a difficult time when his administration did not step in to lessen the suffering of the people, and he explained that the exercise shows the government’s commitment to supporting Gombe State citizens during trying times is an enduring feature of his administration.
We are starting a new round of palliative food distribution today, with a renewed emphasis on providing assistance to 214,500 people. According to the principles of both of our great religions, Islam and Christianity, this gesture aims to ensure that our people can observe their fast with dignity and thankfulness, rather than just supplying food, the governor stated.
The Governor emphasized that there was never a difficult time when his administration did not step in to lessen the suffering of the people, and he explained that the exercise shows the government’s commitment to supporting Gombe State citizens during trying times is an enduring feature of his administration.
We are starting a new round of palliative food distribution today, with a renewed emphasis on providing assistance to 214,500 people. According to the principles of both of our great religions, Islam and Christianity, this gesture aims to ensure that our people can observe their fast with dignity and thankfulness, rather than just supplying food, the governor stated.
The statement continued, “We have taken steps to alleviate the suffering of our people during their period of need, from the days of the Covid-19 pandemic to the recent removal of fuel subsidy.”
He went on to say, “The withdrawal of the fuel subsidy last year caused enormous economic misery on the people, while it was a difficult yet necessary move. We launched a palliative food distribution program in August 2023 with a target of 420,000 recipients in an attempt to lessen their pain. We carried on this admirable project in January of this year by starting the program’s second phase and reaching an additional 90,000 recipients.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya said that his administration is conscious of the difficulties that the people endure and promises to be there for them anytime they need it.
He urged community leaders and kindhearted people to help the underprivileged and defenseless in their neighborhoods, particularly throughout the Christian Lent Season and the Holy Month of Ramadan. “I implore our people to be their brothers’ keepers, by exhibiting kindness and compassion in their dealings with each other,” he declared.
In addition to cautioning against acts of sabotage and stating that such acts would not be tolerated, he encouraged the distribution committee to make sure the food products reach the designated beneficiaries.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Chairman of the Palliative Distribution Committee, made the following statements:
A carton of superghetti pasta, a bag of rice, a bag of maize, a bag of sugar, and a representative from Government House, Abubakar Inuwa Kari, represented the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Palliative Distribution Committee, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, during his remarks.
“A fair and equitable distribution of the palliative to all 2988 polling units, across all 114 wards in all 11 LGAs, has been ensured by His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON, taking into consideration women, especially widows, people with special needs, and other vulnerable members of society.” One bag of rice, one bag of maize, one bag of sugar, and a carton of superghetti would be given to each of the 214,500 beneficiaries, according to the Deputy Governor.
Earlier in his welcome speech, the State Government’s Secretary, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, thanked Governor Inuwa Yahaya for constantly attending to the needs of the populace. He attributed the governor’s generosity for the distribution initiative, saying it demonstrated his compassion and empathy, especially amid the challenges posed by the global economic downturn.
The Emir of Gombe, Alh. Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR, who also serves as the Chairman of the Gombe State State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries in his vote of thanks, stating that the exercise, which focuses on the most vulnerable members of society, will significantly lessen the effects of the current economic hardships, particularly during this holy month of Ramadan.
He encouraged other public servants, lawmakers, and those with a strong sense of civic duty to take a cue from the governor.
Speaking at the event was a diverse group of beneficiaries who thanked Governor Inuwa Yahaya for continuously providing relief supplies to the weaker members of society. They emphasized that this support is especially important during the month of Ramadan, when it is most needed.
The Chief Judge of Gombe State, the Grand Khadi, the APC Chairman, the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, and other prominent government officials were present at the event.