From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has denied reports claiming he distributed N1,000 each to 10,000 internally displaced persons and orphans in Sokoto State.
Wamakko, a former governor of the state, described the report as misleading and said it was necessary to clarify the situation.
In a statement, he said the gesture in question involved the donation of N10m and clothing materials to vulnerable persons through the Sokoto State Zakat and Endowment Agency.
According to him, the intervention was part of his long-standing tradition of supporting indigent persons during the Ramadan period.
“For over five decades, I have consistently extended support to vulnerable groups, including women, youths, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and the elderly, especially during Ramadan,” he said.
The lawmaker explained that the recent intervention targeted about 10,000 beneficiaries, including IDPs, orphans and other indigent persons.
He added that the support was channelled through the Zakat and Endowment Agency under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Lawal Maidoki.
The senator noted that the aim of the gesture was to enable beneficiaries to partake in the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
“This support is meant to assist the less-privileged, particularly orphans and other vulnerable groups, to share in the joy and blessings of the festive period,” he said.
He also highlighted other recent interventions carried out during the ongoing Ramadan, including the distribution of wrappers and cash to about 17,000 women, as well as guinea brocade and cash to 50,000 men.
Similarly, he said support was extended to about 10,000 persons with disabilities and elderly individuals, who received cash, rice and clothing materials.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Maidoki, commended the senator for what he described as a consistent commitment to humanitarian support.
He said Wamakko had continued to demonstrate compassion towards vulnerable groups within and outside the state.
The senator reiterated that the gesture was aimed at easing the burden on beneficiaries and enabling them to celebrate the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr with dignity.
