Kano Government Ramadan Feeding Programme Creates Jobs, Boosts Local Economy

The ongoing Ramadan feeding programme in Kano State is not only providing meals to thousands of fasting residents but also creating jobs and stimulating economic activities for families and small businesses across the state.

At the centre of the operation is Hajiya Hajara Abdullahi, Chief Executive Officer of a restaurant contracted to prepare and distribute breakfast meals during the Ramadan period.

Speaking during an inspection visit by members of the Ramadan Feeding Committee to the food preparation centre, Hajara disclosed that her company has been supplying about 13,000 plates of meals daily to 13 distribution centres since the beginning of the holy month.

She explained that the scale of the programme has generated employment opportunities for many people, particularly women.

“We currently employ about 250 workers for the Ramadan feeding programme. Some of them earn ₦200,000 while others earn ₦100,000 for the duration of the Ramadan period,” Hajara said.

According to her, the initiative goes beyond providing food for fasting residents, as it is also helping to improve the livelihoods of many women involved in the programme.

“Many of the women working with us are being empowered through this gesture.

The programme has significantly improved their economic wellbeing,” she added.

Hajara further revealed that large quantities of food are prepared daily to meet the growing demand across the distribution centres.
“On a daily basis, we cook about 300 bags of food items and slaughter three cows to ensure that the meals are hygienic, nutritious and of high quality,” she explained.

She noted that the programme has triggered a chain of economic activities, benefiting food suppliers, livestock traders, transporters and other service providers.

“The amount of money exchanging hands through this programme is improving businesses and empowering several individuals,” Hajara stated.

Chairman of the Ramadan Feeding Committee and Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Auwal Tijjani Sani, who led the inspection team, expressed satisfaction with the quality and hygiene of the meals being prepared.

“We are impressed with the standard we have seen here. The company has maintained good hygiene and quality in the preparation of the food,” he said.

He noted that the Ramadan feeding initiative reflects the commitment of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the welfare of the people.

“The governor has the people at heart, which is why he initiated this Ramadan feeding programme. He has also directed the committee to ensure that the food distributed is of good quality and prepared under hygienic conditions,” Tijjani said.

According to him, five major companies were engaged to handle the feeding programme across the state and are being closely monitored by the committee.

“Our responsibility is to ensure strict supervision so that the people receive safe and quality meals,” he added.

Also speaking during the visit, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Amina HOD, commended the hygiene and packaging of the food, noting that the programme is also creating income opportunities for women during the holy month.

“This programme is not only feeding people but also providing women with an opportunity to earn income during Ramadan,” she said.

For many workers, vendors and suppliers involved in the initiative, the Ramadan feeding programme has become more than a social intervention, serving as a lifeline that is strengthening household incomes and stimulating the local economy during the holy month.

Ladan Nasidi