By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, the Chairman Sokoto State Zakkat and Endowment Agency has exonerated Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto of insinuations, blames and interference in the affairs and accountable process during the 2025 Qurbani animals distribution exercise conducted by the agency.
The Qurbani distribution is an intervention programme supported by Sulaimaniyah and Diversity , Turkey aimed at reaching out to the needy and stakeholders on a dignified manner.
Addressing newsmen in Sokoto on Wednesday, Maidoki said ” I take full responsibility for any shortfall through out the distribution exercise”, he said stressing that Governor Aliyu Sokoto has no hand nor influenced the process neither did he decide nor directs who to give or not to give.
He explained that the distribution exercise experienced shortfall in the planned 4,500 animals by 1,500 which could not serve the expected number of beneficiaries across the state.
” We were only able to get 3,000 cows for the Qurbani serve beneficiaries which translates into the shortfall occasioned by high demand and security issues”, said the SOZEA Chairman.
Maidoki who also appreciated his team of officials, volunteers and partners , disclosed that no fewer than 15,000 beneficiaries got their share of the Urbani across the state while acknowledging that there challenges in the process aimed at reducing the multi dimensional poverty in the state and Nigeria in general.
” The exercise is aimed at benefitting the poorest of the poor. No discrimination of sort nor any form of partisanship.
” It is purely a religious thing and God so not discriminate in Zakkat distribution, so who are we to “, Maidoki rhetorically asked.
While explaining further , the SOZEA Chairman said Zakkat has no boundary for beneficiaries . Whether a Muslim or Christian all are entitle to it.
” We have criss crossed all communities across the state with exception of a few for insecurity and difficulty in reaching them for poor terrains”, he stressed.
Maidoki seized the space to reiterate the need for beneficial collaboration by stakeholders with the agency including the media in creating better awareness inorder to forge ahead with ease.
He acknowledged mad appreciated Governor Aliyu Sokoto for initiating mechanisms and providing logistics towards the smooth discharge of the agency’s responsibility with the guidance of the Sultan.
He regretted with concerns not reaching a number of Islamiyya schools, districts and other eligible beneficiaries as he rendered his and the agency’s unreserved apology for the unforeseen hitch during the distribution.
” Though we have reached families and groups in their tense and thousands with the meat across the length and breadth of the state while we were prevented reaching out to others due to insecurity”, he pointed stressing that SOZEA remain committed to serving people with dignity and respect to make them happy.
He assured of exploring beneficial ways to improving the supply chain , enhance logistics and make future events better managed.
