The Sokoto State Government has disbursed N21.75 million to 5,500 orphans across the state to enjoy this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The grant is under the state’s Eid-el-Kabir “Udhiyya for Orphans”.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, presented the amount to District Heads for onward distribution to the end beneficiaries in Sokoto on Sunday.
While appreciating the state government for sustaining the gesture, he urged the district heads to ensure fairness in shouldering the responsibility.
The Sultan also commended those that always use their hard earnings in increasing the quantity of what was given to them annually.
“As you can see the state government has shouldered a very challenging responsibility to all of you. The monies given to you are for orphans and you all know the consequences of eating from their belongings.
“Therefore, I urged all of you to avoid or even attempt to use the money for your personal activities. If you do not add to it, you should not reduce it,” he warned.
Earlier, Malam Muhammad Maidoki, the Chairman, Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Commission, said that the money for the Udhiyya is to be shared to the 87 district heads of the state as directed by Gov. Aminu Tambuwal.
He said that each district will be givenN220,000 for the purpose of purchasing a cow for Orphans Udhiyya on behalf of the state government and the Sultanate Council of Sokoto.
Maidoki commended the district heads for their commitment to the exercise while appealing for more dedication and assistance to orphans and the needy in the society.
He also thanked the state government and other wealthy individuals for their sustained support toward alleviating the hardship of the indigents and urged others to emulate such philanthropic gesture.
