The Sokoto government said it shared N28.7 million among 87 District Heads to purchase cows for orphans in the state to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.

The exercise is an annual event by the government through the state Zakkat and Endowment Commission.

Muhammad Maidoki, the Commission’s Chairman, who monitored the process in some districts in Sokoto on Saturday, said each of the 87 districts received N330,000.

Mr Maidoki said that the gesture was part of the government’s effort to support the orphans and the less privileged in the state.

He said the exercise was an annual event organised to encourage wealthy individuals to support the less privileged among them, and commended the district heads for their sacrifices towards ensuring the success of the programme.

He also handed over three cows on behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Gandi, Rabah Local Government Area of the state.

“This is a gift from the Sultan to ease your pain and support all of you to celebrate this great moment,” he said, urging them to pray for leaders, Sokoto and peace for Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the IDPs, Ibrahim Gandi thanked the Sultan for always supporting them and for his sustained fatherly role to the people.

(NAN)