From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi

An International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO) based in Jedda, Saudi Arabia, has launched the disbursement of N131 million to 1,960 orphans in Kebbi State.

The disbursement, according to Dr. Tahiru Baba Ibrahim, IIRO Educator Coordinator, Kaduna office, was for six month payments compared to the two or three years they used to make in previous years.

Ibrahim, while speaking at the disbursement ceremony held in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, said, “We appreciate the government of Kebbi State, the people of the state for their hospitality. Today’s payment is for only six months unlike previous payments which come two or three years.

“This is due to administrative changes at our headquarters in Jedda, Saudi Arabia. Today in sha Allahu, after His Excellency reports the payments, we will be proceeding with the payment of orphans allowances of which we expect 1,960 orphans to receive their six month allowances between today 20 May and 28 May 2022 here in Kebbi State”,.

In his remarks, Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu who was represented by Secretary of State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Babale Yauri commended the organization for its extensive humanitarian services to the less privileged and the orphans of the state.

He said: “We are happy today that 1,960 orphans are benefiting from this noble organization which the government is supposed to do and this organization is helping the government in these areas as well as the beneficiaries.

“As you all know, this administration of Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has been providing assistance to orphans since its inception in Kebbi State. In fact, the state government appreciates and will continue to extend maximum cooperation to you on what you are doing,” he said.

Bagudu also disclosed that he had commissioned the religious department of the state government to find out and identify the orphans and the less privileged who were not captured by the organization so that the government could help them.

He called on other organizations, individuals in the society to emulate the gesture of the IIRO to alleviate the sufferings of the less privileged in the society, pointed out that the Emirs of Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zurin have helped orphans in their domains alongside certain individuals.

Earlier, the Acting Chief of Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Bena in his welcoming address expressed the appreciation of the Kebbi State Government to the organization, stressed that its action is one of the cardinal principles of Islam which gives place to individuals, organizations to help less privileges in society.