The International Federation of Women Lawyers, Kebbi chapter, on Monday, distributed Ramadan relief packages to over 100 vulnerable residents in Birnin Kebbi LGA.
The packages were distributed to internally displaced persons, orphans and other vulnerable residents.
The gesture is aimed at assisting in easing economic hardship during the holy month of Ramadan.
The distribution was flagged off at an IDP camp located in Birnin Kebbi and later extended to vulnerable residents in Tungar Buzu village.
Speaking at the event, the FIDA chairwoman, Hauwa Usman-Usara, said the intervention was part of FIDA’s humanitarian outreach to complement its legal services for vulnerable groups.
“FIDA does not only provide free legal representation to the less privileged, orphans and IDPs, but also supports them with food items and educational materials when the need arises,” she said.
Ms Usman-Usara explained that the Ramadan outreach was carried out in collaboration with the wife of the Kebbi governor, Zainab Nasare-Nasir Idris.
According to her, the packages contained rice, sugar, milk and other essential food items to enable beneficiaries to observe the Ramadan fast with relative ease.
Ms Usman-Usara used the occasion to sensitise female IDPs on the need to report cases of gender-based violence, rape and other forms of abuse, assuring them of prompt legal support.
“For any case of GBV, rape or molestation, do not hesitate to reach out to us; FIDA and the Ministry of Justice are fully committed to ensuring that justice is served. Our contact lines are open, and we will respond swiftly,” she said.
The permanent secretary of the Kebbi justice ministry, Aishatu Abbas, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable persons in the state.
“We are here with this token as a show of our solidarity during Ramadan. You are important to us, and the government remains committed to supporting and protecting your rights,” she said.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the leader of the IDPs at the camp, Aisha Abubakar, and Amina Umar of Tungar Buzu village expressed appreciation to FIDA and the governor’s wife for the timely intervention.
They noted that the assistance would go a long way in alleviating their hardship during the fasting period and prayed for continued support to vulnerable communities in the state.
(NAN)
