…Vulnerable Residents Across 87 Districts

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Sokoto State Government has released N727.1 million to support orphans and vulnerable persons across the state ahead of the upcoming Sallah celebration, in a major social welfare initiative aimed at easing hardship for disadvantaged families.

The Executive Chairman of the Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Agency (SOZEA), Malam Muhammad Lawal Mai Doki, announced the release on Tuesday during a press conference in Sokoto. He said the funds were approved by Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto to ensure that beneficiaries across all 87 districts could celebrate the festival with dignity.

Under the programme, each beneficiary will receive one bag of rice, N10,000 in cash, and a bundle of Atamfa fabric, while vulnerable women will also receive N10,000 to assist with Sallah preparations.

Mai Doki said the distribution was carried out through transparent mechanisms involving community leaders and stakeholders to ensure the relief reached genuine beneficiaries. He added that the initiative is part of the state government’s broader social protection programme aimed at supporting disadvantaged groups and promoting inclusive welfare.

The SOZEA chairman also commended former Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for contributing 10,000 bundles of Shadda fabric and N10 million to further support orphans during the festive period.

Mai Doki emphasized the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency in the disbursement process and encouraged philanthropists, corporate organisations, and well-meaning citizens to support programmes that uplift the poor and vulnerable.

Observers noted that the initiative highlights the growing role of faith-based social welfare institutions in complementing government efforts to reduce poverty and social inequality in Sokoto State.