A Sokoto State–based philanthropist, Alhaji Abdulkadir Dan’iya, on Saturday supported no fewer than 10,000 vulnerable persons with N200 million and 10,000 bags of rice to ease their situation during the ongoing Ramadan fasting.
Dan’iya, who channeled the donation through the Sokoto State Zakat and Endowment Agency (SOZEA), said the gesture was aimed at complementing the government’s efforts to ensure that the less privileged observe the fast with ease.
‘We are aware of the commitment of the state government under the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu to support our brothers, scholars, Imams and other vulnerable persons among us.
‘As such, we are motivated to sustain our commitment to complement government efforts toward enhancing the required action plan in addressing the needs of the less privileged’, he said.
The philanthropist further explained that the distribution would cover the 23 local government areas of the state, as well as special groups including persons living with disabilities and cemetery workers, among others.
Dan’iya said that each beneficiary will receive one bag of rice and a token donation of N10,000 for transportation.
He appreciated SOZEA for its dedication to ensuring that assistance channeled through the agency receives due attention and reaches the right beneficiaries.
In his remarks, the SOZEA Chairman, Malam Lawal Maidoki, lauded the philanthropist for the gesture, describing his commitment to supporting the needy as one of the best acts in Islam, particularly during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Maidoki stated that the exercise has remained the donor’s tradition for more than five years and is not limited to the Ramadan period.
He appealed to other wealthy and well-meaning individuals in the state to emulate Dan’iya’s commitment, while appreciating the state government and the Sultanate Council for their sustained support to the needy.
He also urged individuals to embrace the act of helping one another with whatever little they can, especially during Ramadan.
Also speaking, the District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar, emphasised that the gesture would continue to serve as an endowment to the needy and a means of preserving the donor’s wealth.
Umar commended Dan’iya for his foresight and urged others to dedicate part of their earnings to improving the living conditions of the less privileged in society.
