Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service

VP Shettima Seeks Stronger Public, Private Support for MSMEs

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February 17, 2026

VP Shettima Seeks Stronger Public, Private Support for MSMEs

Vice President Kashim Shettima has implored stakeholders, including financial institutions, government agencies and the private sector, to broaden their support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

Emphasising their vital role in economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, he urged them to leverage technology to strengthen the MSME sector, particularly for young Nigerians operating in the digital space.

The Vice President made the call on Tuesday while receiving the 2025–2026 MSME Report at the Nigerian MSME Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“We have our jobs cut out for us. SMEDAN is doing an awesome job, and so is ITF. Every stakeholder here, from NAFDAC to CAC, NITDA, Export Promotion Council and NIPC, is putting in their best, and we are mightily proud of all of you,” he told participants at the meeting.

Urging government agencies and private sector partners to harness the nation’s potential in the digital economy, agriculture and other key sectors that can benefit MSMEs, VP Shettima encouraged them to learn from India, which generated $130 billion in 2025 from business process outsourcing alone.

Also Read: VP Shettima Backs Stronger Support for Locally Made Products

He noted that the opportunities in the outsourcing sector are enormous.

“So, we need to really harness our potential in the digital space, in agriculture,” the VP said.

The Vice President thanked stakeholders for their efforts in advancing MSMEs in Nigeria and assured them that the administration of President Bola Tinubu would do everything possible to ensure the growth of small businesses across the country.

Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris commended the Vice President, describing the meeting as ‘an appraisal of the progress made by MSMEs over time.’

Idris stated that all participants and stakeholders driving the MSME programme were present to assess its achievements, revealing that more than 250,000 jobs had been created, with additional employment opportunities underway.

The Minister also praised the Special Adviser to the President on MSMEs and Job Creation, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, for bringing together MSME stakeholders from across Africa in Abuja to showcase Nigeria’s progress and chart a path towards strengthening the sector on the continent.

Presenting the report, the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Adekunle-Johnson, outlined how the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Tinubu has repositioned MSMEs as a central pillar of national economic transformation and job creation.

He explained that over the past year, the focus had been on improving access to affordable finance, reducing operational challenges through shared infrastructure, strengthening market linkages, and institutionalising recognition frameworks that promote excellence and competitiveness.

On developments in 2025, he noted that “access to finance had been expanded through MSME Clinics, which serve as a bridge between the Federal Government, state governments and small businesses, creating market visibility, opportunities for business formalisation and access to instant on-site grants for outstanding enterprises at each clinic.”

On job creation, he disclosed that more than 11 shared hubs had been deployed in the past year, generating over 250,000 jobs nationwide.

In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii commended President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for “setting the blueprint for Small and Medium Enterprises growth in Nigeria.”

He said the shared facilities established by the Office of the Vice President had engaged citizens, even late into the night, creating more employment opportunities. He added that “this is the first time the people have been so fascinated about the policy of government.”

The Managing Directors of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) also highlighted how their respective agencies had supported thousands of MSMEs over the past year.

Representatives of Access Bank, Zenith Bank and Wema Bank reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with the Office of the Vice President to ensure that MSMEs receive the necessary support, as stakeholders continue to play their respective roles in advancing the Nigerian economy.

President Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of INEC, NAHCON Nominees

Iyabode Jane Aluko

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February 17, 2026

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President Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of INEC, NAHCON Nominees

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the nomination of retired Admiral Jamila Abubakar as National Commissioner representing Adamawa State at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The request was conveyed in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and read during Tuesday’s plenary session.

“In compliance with the provisions of section 154 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Admiral Jamila Abubakar Sadiq (retired) as Commissioner representing Adamawa State at the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“While I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept, Mr Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” President Tinubu stated.

Following the reading of the letter, Senator Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on INEC for further legislative scrutiny, directing it to report back to plenary within one week.

In a separate correspondence, President Tinubu also sought the Senate’s confirmation of Ambassador Ismail Yusuf for appointment as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Also Read: President Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of INEC Chairman

According to the President, the nomination was made in line with the provisions of section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2026.

He said; “While it is my hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the appointment expeditiously, please accept, Mr Senate President and distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest regards.”

The Senate President subsequently referred the NAHCON nomination to the Senate Committee on Rules and Business for legislative consideration, with a directive to submit its report within one week.

The requests mark the latest in a series of key appointments forwarded to the National Assembly for confirmation, as the administration continues to fill strategic positions in critical national institutions.

Ebonyi Governor Reinforces Security Measures in Amasiri Community

Nigeria

Iyabode Jane Aluko

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February 17, 2026

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Ebonyi Governor Reinforces Security Measures in Amasiri Community

The Ebonyi state Governor, Francis Nwifuru has reinforced security measures in Amasiri Autonomous Community, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, extending the closure of schools despite easing the duration of the curfew in the area.

The decision followed a State Security Council meeting convened on Tuesday in Abakaliki to reassess the security situation in Amasiri and neighbouring communities, including Okporojo and Akpoha, in the aftermath of the deadly violence linked to the Okporojo killings.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Governor announced that the existing curfew has been adjusted and will now run from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily.

Residents are permitted to conduct lawful activities between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., a move he described as a ‘reflection of measurable progress’ recorded by security agencies deployed to the area.

However, Governor Nwifuru maintained that schools in the affected communities would remain closed pending further review, underscoring what he termed the administration’s “zero-compromise stance” on the safety of students and education workers.

“While there are clear social and economic benefits to reopening schools, the prevailing security realities demand caution,” the Governor said, noting that the decision would be revisited after a fresh assessment at the next Security Council meeting.

He stressed that the curfew was introduced not as a demonstration of state authority but as a preventive measure to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

According to him, “intelligence reports suggested the crisis had the potential to escalate into a wider communal conflict involving neighbouring settlements if swift intervention had not been undertaken.”

Also Read: ‎Attorney General, Ebonyi Governor Push For Legal Reforms

On the investigative front, the Governor disclosed that the Council directed law enforcement agencies to expedite the prosecution of suspects arrested in connection with the killings.

He reaffirmed the constitutional presumption of innocence but revealed that investigators have made significant breakthroughs, including the recovery of a shallow grave and the recording of confessional statements.

Security agencies, he added, are intensifying efforts to apprehend other suspects believed to be at large.

Beyond the curfew and school shutdown, the Council approved what it described as urgent and extraordinary measures aimed at restoring full normalcy to Amasiri and surrounding communities.

Although he declined to disclose operational details for security reasons, Governor Nwifuru assured residents that the government’s actions are intelligence-driven and focused on preventing further loss of life.

He also cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric and the spread of unverified information on social media, warning that such actions could undermine ongoing security operations and heighten tensions.

Voice of Nigeria reports that the revised 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. curfew remains in effect, schools remain closed, while security operatives continue surveillance and enforcement operations as the Ebonyi State Government reiterates its commitment to restoring lasting peace and ensuring justice for victims of the violence.

President Tinubu Mourns Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson

Iyabode Jane Aluko

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February 17, 2026

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President Tinubu Mourns Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined world leaders and the people of the United States in mourning the passing of renowned civil rights leader and Baptist preacher, Reverend Jesse Jackson.

President Tinubu described the late Jackson as “a servant-leader whose lifelong struggle for justice reshaped America and inspired democratic movements across Africa and the world.”

In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, he said Reverend Jackson, who died at the age of 84, “devoted his life to the dignity of Black people, the oppressed and the voiceless, alongside other champions of racial justice led by the late Martin Luther King Jr.”

The President recalled that although Reverend Jackson built a career as a preacher and political organiser, he rose to national and global prominence for demanding improved social and economic conditions for African-Americans, carrying forward the unfinished work of the civil rights movement in the United States.

He added that Reverend Jackson “played a defining role in American political history,” noting that his presidential bids in 1984 and 1988 “helped open the political space that eventually led to the election of Barack Obama as the first Black President of the United States.”

Reflecting on his personal experience as a student in Chicago in the 1970s, President Tinubu said he witnessed Reverend Jackson’s relentless battles against injustice and discrimination, describing him as “a faithful servant of God and humanity who helped bend American society towards the promise of its democratic ideals.”

Also Read: President Tinubu Mourns Ex-ASUU President, Professor Jeyifo

He also highlighted Reverend Jackson’s enduring ties to Nigeria and Africa, noting that the late civil rights leader “promoted civil liberties, democracy and good governance across the continent” and helped forge links between African leaders and the United States Congressional Black Caucus to advance Africa’s interests in Washington.

The President recalled Reverend Jackson’s prominent role in the global campaign against apartheid in South Africa, including his advocacy for the release of Nelson Mandela and other African National Congress leaders, as well as his support for international sanctions against the apartheid regime.

He further noted that during Nigeria’s years of military rule, Reverend Jackson “stood firmly for human rights and the restoration of democratic governance,” serving as Special Envoy to Nigeria and Africa under former United States President Bill Clinton between 1997 and 1999.

President Tinubu described Reverend Jackson as “a moral voice for universal justice whose influence transcended borders,” saying even in old age and ill health, “his message of hope and human dignity continued to resonate across generations.”

He prayed for the repose of the late civil rights icon’s soul, urging the world to uphold the values of justice, equality, and faith in humanity which Reverend Jackson lived for.

First Lady Launches Campaign Against Child Malnutrition Nationwide

Iyabode Jane Aluko

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February 17, 2026

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First Lady Launches Campaign Against Child Malnutrition Nationwide

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the National Advocacy and Awareness Campaign for the National Community Food Bank Programme, aimed at tackling malnutrition among infants across the country.

She launched the programme during the first National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit in Abuja.

The initiative, funded by well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations, will focus on providing nutritious food to children aged six years and below.

The First Lady said, “This year, the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria will be working with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to address child malnutrition across the nation.

“We are collaborating with the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, and other partners to launch the National Community Food Bank Programme in April 2026. This programme is designed to strengthen community nutrition support, improve access to safe and nutritious food for vulnerable children, and contribute meaningfully to the national response to ending child malnutrition.”

Mrs Tinubu stressed that the support and cooperation of traditional and religious leaders are crucial for the programme’s success, ultimately ensuring a healthier future generation of Nigerians.

“The programme will operate through the nationwide network of primary health centers to identify and register eligible families with children under six years old. Caregivers will receive counselling and food vouchers redeemable for nutritious locally grown foods at food banks established near health centres.

“This initiative will be funded through a trust fund by willing private sector partners and well-meaning Nigerians. To ensure accountability, the Trust Fund will be overseen by credible Nigerians. We will need a lot of support from you, our revered traditional and religious leaders, to raise awareness and sensitise households to ensure no eligible family is left behind as we roll out the programme nationwide,” she added.

Also Read: Nigeria Reviews Food, Nutrition Policy to Tackle Malnutrition

The First Lady also congratulated the health volunteers, the National Health Fellows.

Earlier, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, emphasised the importance of human resources to national development, noting that this inspired the First Lady’s partnership with the Ministry to support the health and well-being of infants and children.

“Without the people of Nigeria, no infrastructure, no oil, no gold, and no diamond will actually matter,” he said.

Prof. Pate thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the convening of the first-ever Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit, describing it as a clear indication of the President’s belief in the pivotal role of these leaders in safeguarding Nigerians’ health.

“Before the Nigerian State, there is a Nigerian Nation; before a Nigerian Nation, there are the Nigerian people. And that is why the President prioritises the health sector in all ramifications,” he added.

The minister also commended the First Lady for her continuous contributions to the health sector, particularly in child and women’s health.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, noted that the gathering of traditional and religious leaders demonstrates Nigeria’s growing practical approach to addressing health issues.

“Sequel to the flag-off and outcomes of the summit, there will be a greater need for follow-up and peer reviews,” he said.

Development partners, including the WHO and World Bank, also praised the traditional and Religious Leaders, describing them as central to achieving universal health coverage.

The engagement with the leaders during the flag-off of the Advocacy and Awareness Campaign for the National Community Food Bank Programme aims to raise awareness, build trust, and provide oversight in communities across Nigeria.

The First Lady will soon take the campaign to each geopolitical zone, beginning with the North-East Zone in Borno State.

Ericsson Unveils AI-Enabled Network Solutions

Business and Tech

Oluchi Okwuego

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February 17, 2026

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A multinational telecommunications company called Ericsson has introduced AI-ready radios, antennas, and software to support future mobile networks and growing AI demand.

The Head of Networks Strategy and Product Management at Ericsson, Mårten Lerner, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

He said the company was adopting an AI-first approach in building Radio Access Networks (RAN) to meet the rising demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) services.

According to him, the new solutions will help telecom operators deliver better uplink performance, reduce costs, and improve energy efficiency.
The Ericsson boss noted, “The new portfolio is built on three major pillars, which are AI-ready radios, AI-powered RAN software, and advanced antennas.

“Ericsson introduced 10 AI-ready radios, including next-generation massive Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) and remote radios designed to improve both downlink and uplink performance.”

Lerner added that the radios are powered by Ericsson silicon with built-in neural network accelerators to support real-time AI processing and network optimisation.

On software, he said the company unveiled AI-managed beamforming, AI-powered outdoor positioning, and an advanced AI model for instant coverage prediction.

He noted that new tools such as latency prioritised scheduler and low-latency mobility would help operators achieve faster response times and more reliable connections, especially for AI-driven applications.

Lerner said the company also launched five high-performing antennas to improve spectrum use, boost uplink capacity, and simplify site deployment.

He said the innovations would enable communications service providers to introduce new services, improve user experience, and generate more revenue from AI-enabled devices.

He added that the solutions would help operators lower the total cost of ownership while accelerating network performance.

Also, Iain Milligan, Network Development and Infrastructure Director at VodafoneThree, said the integration of Vodafone and Three networks on a single 5G infrastructure powered by Ericsson would support AI-driven innovation.

Milligan said embedding AI across the network would reduce operational challenges, improve energy efficiency, and provide faster and more reliable connectivity for customers.

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House Rescinds, Re-Enacts Electoral Act Amid Opposition Protests

Politics

Dominica Ijeoma Nwabufo

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February 17, 2026

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House Rescinds, Re-Enacts Electoral Act Amid Opposition Protests

The House of Representatives has rescinded and re-enacted the 2022 Electoral Act Amendment Bill, adopting the Senate’s version of Clause 60(3), which allows manual collation of election results where electronic transmission fails due to network issues.

The decision followed an emergency session of the National Assembly on February 17, 2026, after extensive consultations and meetings between House and Senate conference committees.

Chairman of the Committee of the Whole, Benjamin Kalu, presided over the clause-by-clause consideration.

House Spokesman Akin Rotimi Jr. said no new provisions were introduced, explaining that lawmakers only reconsidered existing clauses in light of new developments, including INEC guidelines .

However, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout during plenary, protesting changes to Section 60 on electronic transmission of results.

Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda said the opposition insists that election results should be transmitted electronically without alternatives, arguing that allowing manual collation could create room for manipulation.

The opposition also rejected changes to Clause 84 on party primaries, maintaining that political parties should independently decide whether to adopt direct, indirect, or consensus primaries.

Opposition members said they would continue to pursue parliamentary measures to address their concerns.

New Horizons Boss Urges Nigeria to Embrace Emerging Technologies

Business and Tech

Oluchi Okwuego

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February 17, 2026

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New Horizons Boss Urges Nigeria to Embrace Emerging Technologies

The Chief Executive Officer of New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano has urged Nigeria to urgently adopt emerging technologies to remain globally competitive.

Akano made the call in an interview with the Press on Tuesday in Lagos, noting that technological advancement has historically shaped global leadership.

According to him, nations that have dominated the world over the past 1,000 years did so largely on the strength of their technological superiority.

“Technology determines who leads and who lags behind,” he said, stressing that countries that fail to embrace innovation risk being left behind in the fast-evolving global order.

Akano further explained that the world is already moving beyond traditional digital transformation into what he described as synthetic intelligence — a more advanced stage of artificial intelligence where machines could potentially surpass human intelligence and capabilities.

This shift, he noted, makes it imperative for Nigeria to position itself strategically in the emerging technology ecosystem

“We are not there yet, but we are heading there,” he said.

According to him, synthetic intelligence could significantly alter how tasks are performed globally.

He said ongoing research suggests machines may soon execute assignments from start to finish without human supervision.

“A machine could take a task from the beginning and complete it without reporting back,” he said.

Akano urged Nigeria and Africa to position their youths strategically to compete with counterparts in technologically advanced nations.

He said New Horizons had prioritised AI training to support national development and prepare for the future workforce.

“For Nigeria to be a top dog, and for Africa to succeed, technology is key. Today’s defining technology is artificial intelligence.

“We have no choice but to be in this space, so our children can compete with Chinese and American children in 10 or 20 years,” he said.

Akano identified poor infrastructure as a major challenge to emerging technologies in Nigeria, but stressed that partnerships could bridge the gap.

“Everything is about infrastructure. The cost here is high, but we partner with banks to secure resources,” he said.

Akano said the company was deploying infrastructure for advanced training in AI, quantum computing and synthetic intelligence.

Akano added that New Horizons was expanding its physical presence to make training more accessible, particularly in traffic-congested Lagos State.

He said five new centres opened in 2025 in the University of Lagos, Ajah, Akute, Egbeda, and Ondo State.

According to him, 10 additional centres would be established in Lagos in 2026 to bring ICT training closer to residents.

Akano said the organisation, which has operated for 21 years, had trained over two million professionals, boosting Nigeria’s ICT manpower development.

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Darul-Kitab Foundation supports orphans, Guardians to Promote Financial Inclusion.

Nigeria

Ademola Adepoju

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February 17, 2026

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Darul-Kitab Foundation supports orphans, Guardians to Promote Financial Inclusion.

In line with enhancing humanitarian services and alleviating poverty among the vulnerable Nigerians, the non-governmental organisation Darul-Kitab Foundation for Relief and Social Peace has distributed empowerment tools to orphans and their guardians in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The project is funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center through the Darul-Kitab Foundation. The beneficiaries are selected from the Federal Capital Territory and Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.

In her remarks, the founder of the Being Human Foundation for the Less Privileged, a non-government organisation that provides humanitarian relief, Ambassador Khadija Ibrahim commended the bold step of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in providing succour to some orphans and their guardians in the country.

She further stated that the Being Human Foundation for the Less Privileged is ready to collaborate with other NGOs to intensify efforts to alleviate poverty and promote humanitarian service by empowering the vulnerable Nigerians.

Ambassador Ibrahim urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the privilege given to them by the foundation to pay attention to learning the skills and knowledge as well as handling the tool with care.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Darul-Kitab Foundation, Sheikh Abdulkadir Ibrahim, and Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, express deepest appreciation to the King Salman Foundation for Relief and Social Peace for their unwavering support and humanitarian vision.

“The beneficiaries received poultry starter kits, including cages, chicks, feeds, and monthly stipends, giving them a foundation for consistent income; others will receive a tricycle, enabling them to earn through transportation services. We are also launching POS machines and kiosks to support small businesses and promote financial inclusion.

Similarly, the project manager of Darul-Kitab Foundation, Dr Sulaiman Yusuf, revealed that the project is designed to move beyond temporary assistance; it focuses on sustainable empowerment. We commission a project that will directly support four hundred and fourth beneficiaries through multiple livelihood pathways.”

The representative of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Mr Bashir Mohammed commended the initiative and described it as a tool for poverty reduction.

He further urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity by using the tools and the stipend judiciously.

The Darul-Kitab Foundation also signed an MoU with AFS Vocational Hub to train beneficiaries in structured training programmes in fashion, leather works, culinary arts, and soap making, and upon completion of their training, participants will receive empowerment tools to begin their own journeys toward self-reliance.

Ambassador Namadi Shares Ramadan Food, Urges Charity for Needy

Nigeria

Lateefat Ibrahim

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February 17, 2026

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Ambassador Namadi Shares Ramadan Food, Urges Charity for Needy

To bring relief to vulnerable residents during the holy month of Ramadan, Her Excellency Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi, First Lady of Jigawa State, has distributed food packages under the Ramadan Care and Support Initiative through her foundation, the Hamdan Kaseeran Foundation.

The distribution exercise targeted the less privileged, including Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), widows, and low-income families. The food packages contained essential items aimed at sustaining beneficiaries throughout the fasting period.

Speaking shortly after the event, Dr Namadi explained the motivation behind the gesture. “This initiative is designed to support vulnerable families during the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time of reflection, compassion, and sharing with those in need,” she said.

She further called on well-meaning and wealthy individuals to extend a helping hand to the less privileged. “I urge those who are blessed with resources to remember the needy, especially in this sacred month of Ramadan.

Together, we can ease the burden on struggling families and promote a spirit of unity and care,” she added.

Beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the timely intervention, describing it as a significant relief amid the challenges of the fasting period. One of the recipients remarked, “This support has come at the right time. It will greatly help my family during Ramadan. We are truly grateful.”

The Ramadan Care and Support Initiative once again highlights Dr. Namadi’s unwavering commitment to compassion, inclusion, and humanitarian service, reinforcing her dedication to uplifting the less privileged and promoting social welfare within the community.

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