YOBE – A local governor of Nigeria’s northeast state of Yobe has approved millions of N63.5 million [around $177,000] to feed the less-privileged during the holy month of Ramadan.
The development was made public in a statement released by the governor’s director general of press affairs, Abdullahi Bego, PM News reported.
“N15 million will be used for the payment of allowances for Muslim preachers who will guide the Muslim faithful through the Holy Month.
“The governor has also approved 1, 260 bags of rice and 630 Jerrycans of cooking oil to be used in the 42 designated feeding centers during Ramadan,” he said.
According to the spokesman, N48.5 million will be used for the purchase of rams and cooking condiments for the 42 feeding centers.
He added that the funding approved by Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam would be used to provide Ramadan iftar meals to the less privileged in 42 centers across the 17 local government areas of the state.
Last Friday, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) said the crescent for this year’s Islamic lunar month of fasting, Ramadan, will be visible on Wednesday, May 16.
“NASRDA has successfully calculated and predicted that the first appearance of the first astronomical Lunar crescent for Ramadan will be sighted on Wednesday 16th May,” the statement from the agency said.
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islamic calendar.
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint, and good deeds.