The Jigawa State Government has approved the establishment of 640 free meal centres across the state to provide Iftar meals to 7.9 million beneficiaries during the forthcoming Ramadan.
The development came as Muslims worldwide are expected to begin 30-day Ramadan fasting from February 17 or 18.
While briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council Meeting, held at Press Gallery, Government House, Dutse, Jigawa State capital, on Friday, the State Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Nura Kazaure, said the approval was granted during the recent meeting chaired by the governor, Umar Namadi.
Kazaure disclosed that the state government is set to provide over 23.8 million meals to vulnerable citizens during the forthcoming Ramadan.
“The programme is expected to provide over 264,600 meal packages daily, benefiting an equal number of individuals each day,” Kazaure said, adding that the meal centres will be set up in tertiary institutions, correctional facilities, and social welfare institutions, ensuring inclusivity and wide coverage.
The commissioner explained that the programme aims to provide nutritious meals, support low-income households, and promote community solidarity.
“The programme aims to provide nutritious and quality meals to fasting Muslims and other vulnerable residents; support low-income households and individuals facing economic hardship; promote community solidarity, compassion, and shared responsibility; and complement ongoing social investment and poverty alleviation programmes of the state government,” he said.
Kazaure stated further that the council has also directed strict adherence to quality standards in the procurement, preparation, and distribution of meals, adding that “monitoring committees will be set up at state, local government, and ward levels to ensure effective implementation.”
He noted that the initiative is part of the state government’s social investment and poverty alleviation programmes.
“This humanitarian and social inclusion gesture also includes the civil servants of the state who are the engine room of operationalising all government policies across all sectors,” he added.
The council has also approved ₦1 billion as the third tranche payment for Jigawa State’s 25% equity in KEDCO, with Kazaure stating that this payment represents the balance due for the state’s equity stake in KEDCO.
“This payment represents the balance due for the 25% equity stake acquired by the Jigawa State Government in KEDCO, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) duly executed between both parties,” the commissioner emphasised.
Moreso, Kazaure revealed that the approval underscores the state government’s commitment to strengthening its investment in the power sector, and added that “the approval underscores the State Government’s firm commitment to strengthening its strategic investment in the power sector to improve electricity supply, enhance service delivery and stimulate socio-economic development across Jigawa State.”
According to the commissioner, the council has approved additional works on the Turabu-Matarar Alhazai-Malinta-Sawo-Iyo-Gishinawo-Gafta Road project for ₦3.4 billion, aimed at enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic activities.
Kazaure explained that the council has also approved the restructuring of JiPHARMA Ltd’s shareholding structure, with the State Ministry of Finance Incorporated now holding the company’s shares.
“The approval is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen corporate governance, enhance transparency, and ensure institutional ownership of government investments in line with global best practices,” he said.
Additionally, the commissioner stated that the council has also approved the constitution of JiPHARMA Ltd’s Board of Directors and ₦1.6 million for incorporation costs.
“Three additional local government areas have been onboarded into the Nigeria For Women (NFW) Project, namely Gwaram, Kafin Hausa, and Gumel, with the project aiming to empower women socially and economically,” he disclosed.
Accordingly, Kazaure stated that the state government is committed to inclusive development and poverty reduction.
“The decision further underscores the state government’s commitment to inclusive development, poverty reduction, and gender equity and equality,” he said.
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