The Borno State government has commenced its 2025 Ramadan Iftar program, establishing 230 feeding centres in Maiduguri and surrounding areas to provide daily meals to 46,000 less privileged individuals daily.

The program was officially launched on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Maiduguri at the Musa Usman Secretariat.

Alhaji Hassan Abdallah Hassan, Ministerial Secretary of the Ministry and Permanent Secretary designate, welcomed attendees and highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable citizens during Ramadan.

“It is my honour and privilege to welcome you all this afternoon to witness the flagging off of Iftar feeding to 46,000 less privileged members of our society daily,” he stated, attributing the initiative to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

The program covers 22 wards in the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Jere, and parts of the Mafa Local Government Area. All the areas also fall under 110 bulamas, who are to head communities in their domain, including foraging and akara cooks supervised by a designated staff of the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Mohammed Lawan Abubakar, representing the Commissioner of Religious Affairs, Hon. Babagana Malarima, emphasised Governor Zulum’s dedication to assisting the people.

“His Excellency, Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum mni, has arranged the Ramadan Iftar to support the people of Maiduguri and its environs,” Alhaji Abubakar said.

He praised the governor’s commitment to providing free meals, calling him “the performing governor in the history of the state.”

“All of us here are living witnesses. As a matter of fact, he is at it again by sponsoring this year’s Iftar, and that is exactly why we are gathered here today,” Alhaji Abubakar added.

“As such, we remain thankful to Almighty Allah for enriching us with this kind-hearted man as our governor, who at all times has Borno State at heart.”

He urged those involved in the program to work diligently for its success. “I urged all who are involved in this year’s Iftar program to put in their best so that we can all get out of the woods successfully,” he said.

The launch event was attended by key ministry officials, including Director of Finance Ali Umar (Arrow) and Director of Religious Affairs Umar Ali.

The event was concluded by presenting the food materials to representatives of the communities.