A faith-based non-governmental organisation, Islamic Relief USA, has distributed pieces of meat worth $20,000 to 1,000 households across 20 communities in Bauchi State protected game reserve zones for Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The Programme Manager for Northern Nigeria at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Muhammad Boyi, made this known at a news conference on Tuesday in Bauchi.

He said that the project was fully funded by Islamic Relief USA and implemented through NCF.

Mr Boyi said the intervention was to support the poorest communities residing within the protected zones, to celebrate the religious festival with dignity and a sense of inclusion.

He said it was also designed to foster goodwill and encourage local communities to take active roles in safeguarding the reserves against encroachment and vandalism.

He, therefore, called for prayers for the donors stressing the importance of preserving the spirit of the initiative.

 “We are optimistic that with continued coordination and the disciplined conduct of beneficiaries, Islamic Relief USA will remain committed and even scale up its interventions in the future,” Mr Boyi said.

He identified the benefiting communities as Yankari, Lame Bura, Mala Dumba, and Sumu Wildlife Park.

He said, “The beneficiaries, including elderly persons, widows, orphans, and other vulnerable groups received three kilograms of meat as part of the humanitarian gesture.’’

On his part, Managing Director of Bauchi State Tourism Development Corporation, Dr Nasiru Yusuf, commended Islamic Relief USA for the impactful donation.

He reiterated the present administration’s commitment to partner with organisations focused on the state’s development.

(NAN)