The North East Development Commission has commenced the distribution of food and non-food items to vulnerable groups in Borno State as part of its Ramadan relief efforts.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Maiduguri at the weekend, the Director/Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Goni Mohammed Alkali, said the initiative underscores the agency’s commitment to alleviating the hardships faced by residents during the fasting period.
The beneficiaries include orphans, widows, persons with disabilities, women groups, youths, vigilante groups, commercial riders and drivers, security personnel, traditional rulers, state and national assembly members, as well as local and state government representatives.
Items distributed include 7,000 bags of rice, 5,000 cartons of spaghetti, 7,000 cartons of vegetable oil, 4,000 blankets, 5,000 mats, 4,000 wrappers, and 5,000 pieces of Shadda fabric.
“We have been directed to hand over these food and non-food items to people living with disabilities, widows, orphans, and orphanage homes,” Alkali stated.
He added that security agencies, traditional rulers, and religious organizations such as Fityanul Islam, Izala, Ansaruddeen, and FOMWA, as well as commercial drivers and unions, are among the beneficiaries.
According to Alkali, relief materials have also been provided to 7,197 persons affected by recent flooding in the region.
“The commission is reaching out to all groups, but we are starting with vulnerable individuals such as orphans, widows, and persons with disabilities before extending the distribution to security formations, traditional rulers, clubs, unions, and associations,” he said.
He further disclosed that similar distributions are ongoing across other North-East states, including Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Borno.
“This year, we have expanded the programme to include legislators, royal fathers, and security agencies to enable them to reach their people as well,” Alkali added.
