Sokoto First Lady Flags Off Cash, Food Distribution to 3,000 Women

The Wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Ahmad Aliyu, has flagged off the distribution of cash grants and food items to 3,000 women and other vulnerable persons across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

The intervention, launched on Saturday in Sokoto, is aimed at cushioning the impact of economic hardship while promoting self-reliance and improving the welfare of vulnerable households, particularly women.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hajiya Fatima said the initiative was part of the administration’s commitment to providing practical support to citizens facing economic difficulties.

She recalled that a similar intervention involving food items and cash assistance was carried out on July 7, 2026, for vulnerable women as part of efforts to mitigate the effects of the current economic situation.

According to her, the latest programme complements several interventions implemented over the past three years for needy persons, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, widows and other vulnerable groups across the state.

She said the ultimate objective was not only to provide immediate relief but also to empower women to become economically productive and self-reliant.

Hajiya Fatima expressed hope that sustained interventions would help reduce the number of women forced into street begging or dependence on assistance to provide for themselves and their families.

She also disclosed that thousands of women had been trained in various trades and vocational skills to enable them to support their families and contribute to the economic development of Sokoto State.

The Governor’s wife urged beneficiaries to use the cash and food assistance judiciously, advising them to invest part of the support in income-generating activities where possible.

She also acknowledged the interventions of the Renewed Hope Initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, particularly programmes supporting vulnerable families, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities and the elderly.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Shagari, described the intervention as an important milestone in efforts to support women across the state.

She said the assistance would help alleviate the difficulties faced by many families while empowering women to improve their livelihoods.

The Commissioner commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu for his continued support for women’s welfare, empowerment and development, noting that the administration had consistently recognised women as important contributors to socio-economic development.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Engagement, Hajiya Zainab Dasuki, described the intervention as timely and impactful.

She commended Hajiya Fatima for initiating programmes that directly affect women and vulnerable households, stressing that empowering women translates into strengthening families and communities.

The Special Adviser urged beneficiaries to use the assistance responsibly and become ambassadors of peace, unity and development in their communities.

Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Displaced Persons, Hajiya Maryam D-mas, welcomed the intervention, describing it as evidence of the government’s concern for displaced and vulnerable families.

She said the inclusion of vulnerable women demonstrated the administration’s commitment to an inclusive approach to governance.