By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The Kebbi State Government has distributed more than ₦170 million in cash and food grains to vulnerable residents under its Zakat programme, in a major effort to strengthen social welfare and support livelihoods across the state.
Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Alhaji Sani Aliyu, disclosed this during an Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Information and Culture in the Bola Tinubu Ultra-Modern State Secretariat, Birnin Kebbi.
According to the commissioner, the Ministry of Religious Affairs disbursed ₦160 million in cash alongside grains valued at over ₦10 million to eligible beneficiaries in line with Islamic injunctions on Zakat.
He added that the ministry also empowered small-scale entrepreneurs through its Productive Zakat Programme, with beneficiaries receiving grants of up to ₦500,000 to expand their businesses and become self-reliant.
Aliyu said the ministry, established in 2023 by Governor Nasir Idris, was created to fulfil a long-standing campaign promise and address the management of religious affairs while promoting peaceful coexistence among Muslims and Christians in the state.
He explained that the ministry was designed to foster moral values, ensure fairness among all religious groups, and combat social vices through structured engagement with faith-based institutions.
The commissioner stressed that Sharia was intended to protect the rights, dignity and reputation of all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, and commended Governor Idris for providing the political will and support needed for the ministry to function effectively.
He noted that the creation of the ministry ended more than 30 years of public agitation for a dedicated religious affairs institution in Kebbi State.
Aliyu also revealed that the state government settled an outstanding debt of about ₦18 million, enabling Christian pilgrims from Kebbi State to participate in pilgrimage after years of financial constraints.
He described the administration’s approach as one aimed at promoting religious harmony, social justice and inclusive governance across the state.
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