13th March, 2024
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina
Katsina state Governor, Malam Umar Dikko Radda has earmarked over N10 billion to ensure adequate feeding for the less privileged people across the state during the Holy month of Ramadan.
This was contained in a Press Statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.
According to the Statement:, the Katsina State Government, in partnership with the 34 Local Government Areas in the state has allocated over N7 billion for the purchase of grains which would be distributed to the less privileged during the for the month of Ramadan.
Mohammed further stated that: “In addition to this, the state government earmarked N3 billion for the procurement of food items, including twenty-five-kilogram bags of rice, to be distributed free of charge to the elderly, disabled individuals, and other vulnerable members of society.”
The Statement added that Governor Radda confirmed these initiatives during the inauguration of committees at both state and local government levels tasked with overseeing the distribution process.
“Over 33,000 (thirty-three thousand) vulnerable and elderly individuals across the 361 electoral wards within the state have been identified to receive free rice and stipends to support their soup ingredients.
“To ensure equitable access, the government has capped the purchase of grains at ten measures per buyer, with each bag of maize, millet, and guinea corn priced at N20,000 (twenty thousand naira) below the current market rate.” the Statement said.
Governor Radda emphasized the importance of accountability in the distribution process, directing local government committees to remit proceeds from grain sales to the state committee for deposit into government accounts. Committees at the local level are also responsible for monitoring cooking points and overseeing distribution at the ward level.
To that effect, Governor Radda appointed Mallam Khalil Musa Kofar Bai as chairman of the committee. Other members of the committee includes representatives from various councils and organizations serving as members. The committee is tasked with ensuring effective coordination of the exercise across the state.