By Yakubu Dati
Three significant developments that occurred within the Ramadan and Lent periods have shown the extent to which some political leaders in Plateau State are willing to go to support the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to succeed.
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday night in Abuja, hosted governors, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), service chiefs, and some selected heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to break the Ramadan fast at the State House.
On the occasion, he called on political leaders in the country to channel more resources and energy toward catering to the needs of the poor and vulnerable and urged leaders to be selfless and work for the people's benefit.
As if to preempt the president in his admonition for rendering service to the people, three of his foot soldiers and party stalwarts in Plateau State had swung into action.
They are Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives; the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Nentawe Yiltwada; and the member representing Mikang/Quanpaan/Shendam Federal Constituency, Hon. John Dafaan.
These leaders, inspired by the spiritual significance of this year's fasting periods for both Christians and Muslims, have taken the issue of alleviating the plight of the masses by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seriously and have gone ahead to provide support to the less privileged.
As this year's Ramadan and the Lenten periods run concurrently, Rt Hon Ahmed Idris Wase, CON, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, flagged off the distribution of Ramadan packages to constituents reaching out to thousands of people. Due to his intervention, no fewer than 8,000 constituents of the Wase Federal Constituency of Plateau State and beyond have benefitted from the distribution of Ramadan packages worth over ₦120 million.
In another remarkable gesture of generosity and community support, Professor Yilwatda distributed 6,000 bags of 50 kg of rice across Plateau State as part of his Ramadan outreach. This gesture will alleviate the economic burden on households and ensure that the Muslim faithful can observe the holy month with ease. Recognising the significance of Ramadan as a period of fasting, prayer, and charity, Professor Nentawe’s initiative reflects his deep commitment to the welfare of the people, as the distribution covered all local government areas and wards across the state, ensuring that a wide range of communities benefit from the initiative.
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| Professor NentaweYilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD) |
In his nature, the member representing Mikang/Shendam/Qua’an-Pan Federal Constituency, Hon. John Dafaan, also doled out his relief package to the Muslim ummah for the 2025 Holy Month of Ramadan. The package, which aims to ameliorate the sufferings of the populace during this sacred period, was presented to the leadership of the JNI, Council of Ulama, and party officials for onwards distribution.
Due to the spiritual significance of Ramadan, marked by sacrifice, fasting, self-discipline, personal growth, and increased devotion to Allah, and Lent, which involves a renewed focus on God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, aimed to deepen our relationship with God ahead of Easter.
Given the enormous burden of leading a country like Nigeria, the Tinubu administration needs all the support and contributions from all its components to succeed. The significance of prayer and supplications on behalf of the administration by all meaningful Nigerians is an obligation.
Beyond the offer of food items and other victuals, the spirituality benefits, while observing these religious obligations, pave the way for divine blessings and favour for the individual adherents and President Tinubu.
Both Lent and Ramadan offer a time of remembrance, allowing believers to connect with the original formative experiences of their faiths.
The philanthropic assistance by both adherents to the poor and vulnerable demonstrates the genuine intention of the renewed hope agenda for all-inclusive governance for the benefit of all Nigerians.
It is no coincidence that the two periods are coming together. It is a call for unity and cohesion, and these political leaders have read the situation right with their support and contributions.
In the coming days, others will be inspired to respond to the clarion call by President Bola Tinubu to channel more resources and energy toward catering to the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
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