Rejoinder: Yobe debunks N398bn Ramadan Feeding claim, clarifies N398m

Rejoinder: Yobe debunks ₦398bn Ramadan feeding claim, clarifies ₦398m

By Hussaini Ibrahim

DAMATURU, NIGERIA — A rejoinder has been issued following a publication by Alfijir News which claimed that Governor Mai Mala Buni approved ₦398 billion for the 2026 Ramadan feeding programme and Tafsir in Yobe State.

The report by Alfijir alleged that the governor sanctioned ₦398 billion for the annual religious initiative, a figure that has since been described as inaccurate and misleading.

Responding to the publication, the rejoinder by the Daily Hint clarified that the actual amount approved by the governor is ₦398 million — not ₦398 billion as reported.

“Our attention was drawn to a report alleging that ₦398 billion was approved for Ramadan feeding and Tafsir across Yobe State. This claim is incorrect. The approved sum is ₦398 million,” the statement read.

It further explained that Yobe State’s total 2026 budget stands at approximately ₦515 billion, making the reported ₦398 billion figure implausible and inconsistent with the state’s fiscal framework.

According to official details, the ₦398 million approval is for the 2026 Ramadan feeding programme to be implemented through the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ethical Re-Orientation, aimed at supporting vulnerable and less privileged residents during the holy month of Ramadan.

As part of the expanded initiative, the number of feeding centres has been increased from 101 to 130 across the 17 local government areas of the state, with each centre expected to provide Iftar meals to 100 persons daily throughout the fasting period.

A breakdown of the approved funds shows that over ₦338 million will be used for the procurement of rams and cooking condiments, while ₦60 million is allocated for allowances to Muslim clerics conducting Tafsir.

In addition, 2,300 bags of rice and 400 jerrycans of cooking oil are to be distributed to the feeding centres.

The rejoinder expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of publishing reports without proper verification.

“In journalism, investigation and fact-checking should remain fundamental principles before the publication of any report,” it stated.

It emphasised the need for media organisations and members of the public to verify information before dissemination to avoid spreading misinformation and misleading narratives.