Tinubu donates palliatives to Christian, Muslim faithful in South-East, South-South
President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, March 21, donated palliative items to Christian and Muslim faithful in the South-East and South-South zones of the country to cushion the effect of the economic hardship in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donation was unveiled in Owerri on behalf of the president by Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo.
In a speech, the president said that the donation aimed to support the Christian and Muslim faithful to break their fast.
He said the fasting and prayer period called for charity and that the gesture had more spiritual importance than physical.
“As we work hard to bring permanent solution to the hunger in the land and high cost of living which is a global thing, the president has decided to intervene from time to time with palliative measures to cushion the effect of hardship occasioned by global economy recession.
“The government is investing a lot of money in agriculture and livestock development to ensure food security and sufficiency.
“This interim intervention is to cushion the effect of the gap that is created between the period of planting and harvesting,” the president said.
The governor urged the faithful of the two religions to commit the country to “serious prayers”, saying: “As you pray, pray for God not to allow the president to be distracted.
“As long as he is implementing his line of programmes, Nigeria will be a land of prosperity.”
He further said that each state would get two trailer loads of rice, amounting to 1,200 bags as well as cartons of noodles to break their fast.
He announced a donation of N5 million support by the president to each state for fueling and transportation of the items.
He further urged the governors to be transparent in the distribution of the items and ensure that they are distributed mostly to the poor and down trodden.
In separate remarks, the chairmen of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and leaders of the Muslim communities in the 11 states of the two zones commended the president “for being magnanimous” to them during the fasting season.
They urged the government to double efforts and provide enabling environment that would promote economic development and self-sufficiency for the nation. (NAN)
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Senator Adebule donates 600 bags of rice to Muslim scholars, groups
The Senator Representing Lagos West District, Dr. Idiat Adebule, has distributed 600 bags of rice to Muslim scholars and other groups across the district.
Sen. Adebule said the distribution was in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to her, President Tinubu’s programmes are geared towards making life comfortable for Nigerians.
She said: “We are here today in the holy month of Ramadan to distribute food items in support of our compassionate and generous leader, President Tinubu, who has been working smart and hard to reposition Nigeria for greatness.
“As we all know that Ramadan is not only a period for fasting and righteous deeds, it is also a period to engage in charity from what Allah has provided for us. Therefore, in the spirit of Ramadan and in consonance with President Tinubu’s quest to ensure no Nigerian lives with hunger, we are distributing bags of rice to the Lagos-West Muslim communities through our religious leaders.
“President Tinubu recognises the challenges being faced by Nigerians as a result of the economic reforms embarked upon by government to correct the unsustainable practices in our fledging economy. In his usual compassionate nature, he has encouraged us as representatives of the people to continuously intervene with food palliatives to help the vulnerable amongst us to survive the realities of this period.
“However, we can all attest that our economy is gradually recovering, the Naira is stabilising unlike before, inflation is slowing and it can only get better as we continue to work hard and give our unwavering support to government at all levels in discharging their duties.”
She rallied the Ulamah’s support for Tinubu’s administration.
The Chief Imam of Aranse Oluwa Central Mosque, Idi-Oro, Alhaji Abdulateef Alamutu, expressed gratitude to Senator Adebule for the gesture.
Imam Alamutu specifically recognized Senator Adebule’s efforts in providing succour to the Ulamas, highlighting the positive impact of her humanitarian outreach.
He prayed to Allah to bless President Tinubu and Senator Adebule.
In his lecture, Mufti, Ikeja Division Council of Chief Imams, Imam AbdRasaq AbdulGaniy Akindele, said political office is a sacred trust from God and office holders would be held accountable.
Imam Akindele emphasised the weighty responsibility placed upon leaders, stating, “We are all leaders, and Allah will ask us about our followers. If you do good, you will reap it, and if it is otherwise, Allah will ask you.”
He stressed the importance of leaders delivering their mandate to people, warning that failure to do so would result in divine scrutiny.
“If the followers were unable to question political holders, they will surely be accountable to Allah,” he cautioned.
He commended Senator Adebule’s efforts in supporting Mr President to give succour to the people.
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Dangote Foundation launches N16b food aid for 1 million Nigerians
The Aliko Dangote Foundation has unveiled the 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project valued N16bn to benefit one million Nigerians nationwide.
The Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mr Aliko Dangote, made the disclosure during the inaugural ceremony on Thursday in Kano.
Represented by his daughter, Marya Aliko-Dangote, he said the annual initiative, which embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility, is part of the foundation’s response to the current economic challenges facing the nation.
“The distribution of one million bags of 10kg rice to the poor and most vulnerable Nigerians across the 774 Local Government Areas is in line with the core values of this foundation.
“We are collaborating with state governments to ensure that the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals in each state.
“Our foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians through support projects, which tackle hunger and water supply problems.
“We are also strengthening the quality and scope of health and education, as well as promoting economic empowerment at the community level,” he said
Dangote urged other industrialists and firms to lend a helping hand in combating hunger through programmes and initiatives that would place food on the tables of vulnerable Nigerians.
According to him, there’s a need to complement government efforts in fighting hunger and poverty through a public-private partnership.
“I commend the government at all levels for efforts in addressing the food crisis.
I am certain that with time, we shall overcome these challenges. Therefore let us support the government to achieve its target of a better life for Nigerians,” he said.
On his part, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State said the intervention reflects the unwavering commitment of Dangote in addressing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam-Gwarzo, he said the gesture would go a long way in alleviating hardship, particularly during the blessed month of Ramadan.
He said the state government has set up a committee including relevant stakeholders including security agencies to ensure transparency in the distribution process.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, reiterated the commitment of Dangote to continue giving back to society in various ways including supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger.
Also speaking, the Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah Board in Kano, Dr Mujahid Aminudeen, commended the foundation for the initiative and urged others to emulate Dangote.
He said the board would be actively engaged to ensure that the products reach the targeted beneficiaries. – (NAN)
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Ex-Minister Pantami Foundation flags off Ramadan food distribution in Gombe
In the spirit of kindness, generosity, and compassion, the Professor Isa Ali Pantami Foundation also distributed food items to the good people of Gombe State, as part of its Ramadan humanitarian interventions.
The Head of the Media Team for the Foundation Bashir Shuaibu Umar noted that the noble initiative aims to support vulnerable individuals and families during the holy month of Ramadan, ensuring they have access to nutritious food and can observe the fasting period with dignity.
The food distribution exercise, which kicked off on March 11 will reach various communities across Gombe State, bringing relief and joy to thousands of beneficiaries.
According to Shuaibu Umar, “The Professor Isa Ali Pantami Foundation remains committed to making a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians, particularly during times of need. Let us continue to uphold the values of kindness, empathy, and generosity, especially during this blessed month.”
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Assabiqun Foundation empowers indigent widows during Ramadan
Assabiqun Foundation, an NGO birthed by Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation, has empowered some widows with money to support their businesses and uplift the living standard of the families.
The foundation’s move to cater for the needs of indigent widows in the holy month of Ramadan was the first major programme since inauguration in December 2024.
Muslim News gathered that widows in different states of the federation, including Oyo, Kwara, Osun, Ogun, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, were gifted N100,000 each by the foundation as Ramadan support.
We gave cash to cater for widows’ different needs: Amirah
National Ameerah of Al-Mu’minaat, Builder Jelilah Abdul Hamid, while speaking at the venue of the Lagos disbursement, disclosed that the Ramadan support is the first phase of Assabiqun’s project for widows.
She said the beneficiaries were selected based on their vulnerabilities, adding that they were gifted cash to meet their different needs.
According to her, “We’re starting the initiative with cash support during Ramadan instead of foodstuffs. Needs differ, so we believe in giving cash during the holy month to cater to the respective needs of individuals. However, we’re on our plan to empower more widows, and it’s just unfolding. This is the first phase of our programme. After this, we have other plans for them including their children and other vulnerable Nigerians.”
Hajia Abdul Hamid expressed willingness to collaborate with other foundations and government agencies in a bid to empower more widows.
Explaining moves towards achieving this, she said, “To start with, we met with the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Her Excellency, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, where we discussed the activities of Al-Mu’minaat, the parent organisation of Assabiqun. We’re still in touch with Her Excellency. We will continue to share our activities with her and seek her input, including on the Assabiqun Foundation.
“What we intend to achieve is an effective collaboration with Her Excellency, and she has been rendering support. She even opened our eyes to some other things we could do during the meeting. So, we’re very optimistic that our collaboration with her will yield results for the good of our target beneficiaries.
Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State (middle), and Jelilat Abdul Hamid, Amirah, Al- Mu’minaat (4th from right), flanked by other national officers of the group during a visit to Government House in Abeokuta, the state capital.
“We also look forward to input and collaboration with people in positions of authority, the private sector, and different walks of life.”
…Calls for synergy between government, NGOs
Hajia Nimat Abdul-Quadir, the President of the Foundation’s Governing Council stressed the need for more synergies between government and NGOs in executing poverty alleviation programmes.
She said: “Government and NGOs should synergise to alleviate poverty. We can achieve that through the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation. We can collaborate and identify indigent widows for training and support in the ministry.”
Giving reasons for disbursing the money in Ramadan, the immediate past national Amirah of Al-Mu’minaat said: “The month of Ramadan is the month of giving, sharing, and extending generosity around us. As Muslims, we were made to understand that whoever carries out a noble deed in this month will be rewarded in manifolds. So, for our donors to have abundant rewards, we decided to do this in Ramadan.”
We need support from Nigerians to do more for widows – BoT member
Alhaji Taofeek Ibrahim, a BOT member of the Foundation called on Muslims, and well-meaning members of the general public to assist the foundation in doing more to the widows.
He said: “As Muslims, we are to assist and support ourselves in times of need. We need to take care of the widows. The Muslim Ummah should stand by them and their children.
“Whatever we’re able to gather within and outside here, we’ll use it to support widows and less privileged, as they’re all in need of the foundation’s support. So, we need assistance from well-to-do Muslims in society in order to chart the cause of the foundation forward. The foundation has taken upon itself the responsibility of Muslims in general, so we urge Muslims, men, and women alike to aid this cause.”
Disbursement in other States
Similar kind gesture was also carried out in other states. For instance, three widows benefited from the kindness of Assabiqun Foundation in Oyo State.
Oyo Disbursement
Speaking at the disbursement ceremony, Hajia Fatimah Daud, Secretary Governing Council of the Foundation, said Assabiqun was birthed by an incident that claimed the lives of their members and their children.
The incident, Muslim News gathered, took place along Shagamu-Benin road, while on their way to the December 2022 training programme tagged Al-Mu’minaat Training Forum (ATF).
“That’s why we have launched the foundation to cater for and support widows. This is our first programme and it’s coming in Ramadan and our Prophet (SAW) has enjoined us to give sadaqat and assist the needy, including widows and orphans,” she added.
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Ramadan: Baytur Rahmah Orphan Foundation distributes food items, cash to families
In continuation of its annual Ramadan welfare programme, Baytur Rahmah Orphan Foundation has distributed variety of food items and cash to at least 20 families that have lost their breadwinners in Lagos, Oyo and Osun States.
The food items were also supported with dates, vegetable oil, and palm oil, Muslim News gathered.
Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Hajiya Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade, said the current economic meltdown has made daily feeding and living more difficult for many households in Nigeria.
“The orphans are particularly affected because their breadwinners are no more, for no fault of theirs. As usual, we held our annual Ramadan welfare event for families of orphans, addressing one of our major concerns: welfare of orphans,” she added.
Yusuf-Ajibade explained that this year’s distribution was unique because it was the first time families outside of Lagos State were benefiting from the welfare programme.
“Two families in Oyo and Osun States also got the same set of food items and cash,” she said.
Speaking further, the chief executive said Baytur Rahmah also foots the bill for the education of no less than 32 orphans spread across northern and southern parts of the country.
She expressed profound gratitude to their donors and supporters, praying Allah to replenish them for their contributions.
“Donations and subscriptions are made by public-spirited individuals who have been quite consistent, they are the reason we have come this far.
“We are grateful and yet we are seeking for more financial assistance so as to continue to support the education of orphans. This journey has commenced for over 14 years and counting. We can only do more if we get more support to carry on.”
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