Kano Announces Mega Relief Program to Combat Economic Hardship

By Mustapha Salisu

In response to the prevailing economic challenges gripping Nigeria, the Kano State Government has announced plans for a comprehensive relief program set to reach every corner of the state. This initiative aims to alleviate the hardships faced by citizens amidst the economic downturn.

The announcement was made today (Tuesday) by the State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, during the launch of a distribution ceremony for food baskets containing relief items donated by the King Salman Humanitarian Relief Centre of Saudi Arabia.

According to the Governor, these provisions will benefit 2056 vulnerable households across eight metropolitan Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

Represented his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, he emphasized the significance of the donation, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan when the demands for essential commodities are heightened.

Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude for the timely support, noting that this marks the third consecutive year of assistance from King Salman, highlighting the enduring friendship between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, especially Kano State.

Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Al-Zaben, the representative of the King Salman Humanitarian Relief Centre, reiterated the commitment of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, to extend relief and humanitarian aid to countries worldwide, including Nigeria.

Hajiya Zubaida Umar, Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), commended the collaboration between NEMA and Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in delivering aid to those in need.

Represented by Hajiya Fatima from the Agency, noted the food baskets will be handed over to the already enumerated individual households heads jointly itemized by NEMA and Kano SEMA.

According to her “each household is expected to have 59.8 kilograms basket of food items consisting of 25kg of rice, 25kg of beans, 4kg of masa vita flour, 2 litres of vegetable oil, 2kg of tomato paste, 0.8kg of seasoning cubes and 1kg of salt” she said.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Haj. Zubaida from NEMA, and other stakeholders urged beneficiaries to utilize the relief items responsibly for the betterment of their families, warning against any attempt to sell the provisions in markets.