The Kebbi government has distributed 1,500 bags of rice to students’ unions and associations across the state as Ramadan palliatives.

The palliatives, donated by Governor Nasir Idris, were distributed on Monday in Birnin Kebbi by the special adviser to the governor on students’ matters, Muhammad Majo.

Mr Majo said the gesture was aimed at supporting students observing the Ramadan fast, particularly those studying on various campuses with limited access to food.

He described the initiative as a milestone, noting that it was the first time students were included in the state’s Ramadan palliative programme.

According to him, the intervention reflects the people-oriented nature of the present administration and the governor’s commitment to the welfare of students.

“In his wisdom, the governor recognised that many students across various campuses struggle to provide adequate meals during Ramadan.

“This support will go a long way in assisting them during the fasting period,” he said.

Mr Majo said that about 1,500 members of student unions and associations across the state would benefit from the gesture.

He urged leaders of the benefiting unions to ensure fair and transparent distribution of the items to deserving students.

“We will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any leader found diverting the palliatives meant for students,” he warned.

Mr Majo also assured the readiness of the governor to sustaining the support of students in the state toward the development of Kebbi.

In his remarks, the national president of the Kebbi State Students’ Union, Ahijo Muhammad-Bakuwai, commended the governor for extending the Ramadan palliatives to students.

Mr Muhammad-Bakuwai described the gesture as historic, saying that students had never been included in such intervention in the state before now.

“We sincerely appreciate the governor for remembering students during this blessed month of Ramadan.

“This support will go a long way in assisting students, especially those studying away from home,” he said.

He assured that the student leaders would ensure judicious distribution of the items to the intended beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries include; the National Union of Kebbi Students, Kebbi State Students’ Union, Emirate Students’ Associations, Students’ Union Government (SUG) presidents, NANS Joint Campus Committee, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), and other student-based organisations in the state. 

(NAN)