Jigawa gov uncovers mismanagement in Ramadan feeding programme

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, on Tuesday, paid an unscheduled visit to several Ramadan feeding centres in the Dutse Local Government Area of the state, uncovering instances of mismanagement and neglect in some centres.

While some centres were commended for their diligence and commitment to the programme, others were found to be failing in resource management and hygiene practices.

The Ramadan feeding programme, approved by the State Executive Council, is expected to cost over ₦4.8 billion, with funding shared between the state government (55%) and local governments (45%).

The initiative aims to provide food for residents across the 287 wards of the 27 local government areas, including those in rehabilitation centres, motor parks, and markets.

Namadi’s visit was intended to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the programme, which is designed to benefit vulnerable residents across the state.

During his inspection of feeding centres in Dundubus, Karnaya, Gaci, and Limawa—locations on the outskirts of Dutse—he expressed disapproval at the irregularities discovered.

“I am disappointed, but not surprised, by the level of mismanagement and neglect I have seen today.

“It is unacceptable that some individuals would seek to cheat and deprive our people of the benefits they deserve,” Namadi stated.

The governor emphasised the need for transparency, fairness, and proper hygiene in food distribution, urging those responsible for the shortcomings to address them immediately.

Namadi also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that all Ramadan feeding centres function effectively, providing services with dignity and respect.

He assured all that “corrective measures would be implemented to enhance service delivery and address any identified gaps.”

He called on local authorities and community leaders to intensify monitoring efforts to ensure the seamless execution of the initiative, stressing that the welfare of the people remains a top priority for his administration.

Efforts to reach the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwal Sankara, whose ministry oversees the feeding programme, were unsuccessful as repeated calls to his known telephone number went unanswered.