The Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has approved N398 million to support the 2026 Ramadan feeding and Tafsir programme aimed at providing iftar meals and religious instruction to vulnerable residents across the state.
The funding approval forms part of preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, when daily meals are shared with fasting Muslims at sunset.
The programme is being implemented by the Yobe State Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ethical Re‑Orientation to assist residents during the period of fasting and spiritual reflection.
The initiative builds on existing social support interventions by the state government to provide food support and community engagement services for vulnerable populations, particularly during religious observances.
The governor’s approval allocates over N338 million for the purchase of rams and cooking items required for meal preparation at designated feeding centres.
An additional N60 million has been earmarked for the payment of allowances to Muslim clerics who will conduct Tafsir (religious interpretation) sessions throughout Ramadan.
The programme will operate 130 feeding centres across all 17 Local Government Areas of Yobe State, an increase from 101 centres in the previous year.
Each centre is tasked with providing daily iftar meals for 100 persons throughout the fasting month.
The approval also includes the distribution of 2,300 bags of rice and 400 jerrycans of cooking oil to the feeding centres to support smooth implementation.
At a flag‑off event for the distribution of materials in Damaturu, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Ethical Re‑Orientation, Yusuf Umar, acknowledged the governor’s approval and outlined expectations for implementation.
The expanded feeding programme is intended to reach a larger number of residents statewide, aligning with Yobe State’s social support efforts during religious seasons.
The increase in feeding centres and allocation for clerical sessions may help ensure broader community participation in spiritual and festive activities.
For families and individuals facing economic challenges, access to daily iftar meals during Ramadan can provide practical relief and support household food needs.
The inclusion of Tafsir sessions also emphasises the programme’s focus on religious education and community engagement.
