A former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator, Aliyu Wamakko, has donated N10 million and 100 bundles of clothing materials to support orphans and vulnerable persons ahead of the Eid al-Adha (Sallah) festival. The contribution, facilitated through the Sokoto State Zakat and Endowment Agency (SOZEA), aims to assist approximately 10,000 individuals in celebrating the occasion with dignity.
The items were officially received on Saturday by the agency’s Chairman, Malam Lawal Maidoki, in Sokoto. Senator Wamakko, representing Sokoto North under the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that the initiative is designed to complement state government efforts in uplifting the less privileged, particularly during holy periods like Ramadan and Sallah.
“This is part of our continued commitment to supporting the less privileged in society, especially during the holy month of Ramadan,” Wamakko said. “The donation is meant to assist vulnerable members, particularly orphans, so they can celebrate Sallah in a happy and joyful mood, seeking reward from Almighty Allah.”
Maidoki expressed profound gratitude for the generosity, describing Wamakko as a consistent supporter of vulnerable groups in the region. He assured that both the cash and materials would be distributed judiciously to the intended beneficiaries. “The agency particularly appreciates the lawmaker for his compassion towards the needy,” Maidoki noted.
Following the handover, the agency’s spiritual leader offered prayers, seeking divine blessings for the donor and successful distribution. SOZEA, the state-mandated body responsible for collecting and disbursing zakat (Islamic alms), regularly coordinates such philanthropic efforts to target support for the poor, orphans, and needy.
The donation highlights the role of private and former public officeholders in supplementing social welfare systems during major festivals, when financial pressure on low-income households typically increases. By channeling aid through an official zakat agency, the contribution aims to ensure structured and transparent distribution.
Wamakko’s gesture comes amid ongoing efforts by the Sokoto state government to expand social safety nets. The focus on orphans and vulnerable persons aligns with common charitable practices during Eid al-Adha, emphasizing community solidarity and religious duty. The immediate next step involves SOZEA’s logistics for distributing the materials and funds before the festival, ensuring beneficiaries receive timely support.
