Nigeria's First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has officially launched the distribution of food items and cash assistance worth ₦1.2 billion to vulnerable households across Northern Nigeria, just days before the Eid al-Adha (Eid-el-Kabir) celebration. The initiative includes 100 trucks of rice and was flagged off in Kaduna on Thursday, targeting beneficiaries across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Collaboration and Distribution
The programme is being executed in partnership with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters, led by Ibrahim Masari. Speaking at the event, the First Lady emphasized that the initiative embodies the core values of Eid-el-Kabir: sacrifice, compassion, and giving. She stated, "As we approach Eid-el-Kabir, a season of sacrifice, compassion and gratitude, this intervention translates the message of the season into palliatives for vulnerable Muslim communities across all northern states and the Federal Capital Territory."
Both the rice and the ₦1.2 billion cash support will be distributed through state-level committees to ensure it reaches the intended recipients. "I am pleased to formally flag off the distribution of 100 trucks of rice and the sum of N1.2bn to the 19 northern states and the FCT. May these palliatives bring succour and comfort to every home that benefits from this gesture," she added.
Previous Support and Inclusivity
This is not the first time such support has been provided. According to the First Lady, a similar programme was carried out on December 23, 2025, when palliatives were distributed to Christian communities in the North, demonstrating the government's commitment to inclusivity. The intervention comes at a time when many Nigerians are still grappling with the effects of ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, including rising food prices and cost of living pressures.
Governor's Response
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who also spoke at the event, described the gesture as a sign of compassionate leadership and unity. "Together, President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady exemplify a model of leadership anchored on service, compassion and national unity," he said. He added that his administration will continue to roll out support in areas such as small business funding, youth empowerment, agriculture, and security to ease the impact of economic challenges. Governor Sani also urged Nigerians, especially Muslim faithful, to remain patient and united during this period, while calling on community and religious leaders to promote peace and mutual support.
Impact and Expectations
With Eid-el-Kabir approaching, the distribution is expected to provide some relief to thousands of households, even as conversations continue around long-term solutions to food insecurity and poverty in the country. A massive fleet of 100 trucks carrying rice departs for the 19 Northern states and the FCT to ensure food reaches the most vulnerable families. The government maintains that this move shows inclusiveness and aims to ease economic hardship.
