The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, distributed foodstuffs worth millions of Naira to the needy to mark the beginning of this year’s (2024) Ramadan fast.

The distribution of foodstuffs commenced in the early hours of Wednesday, March 13, 2024, equivalent to the 3rd Ramadan, 1445. The foodstuffs comprised millet, maize, sugar, rice, and others.

Sheikh Badamasi Yaqoub, Sheikh Zakzaky's brother, oversaw the distribution of the foodstuffs in Zaria and is expected to cover other parts of the country.

During an interaction with journalists, he remarked, "This action is from Malam Ibraheem Yaqoub Al-Zakzaky, who used to perform it annually. Sheikh Zakzaky initiated the distribution of foodstuffs even before the 2015 Zaria incident when the Nigerian army raided his residence and detained him unlawfully. Despite that, he persisted and instructed us to continue the distribution. As you can see, we have continued it this year."

He emphasized that most of the distributed foodstuffs do not benefit his followers, stating, "Almost all the foodstuffs are allocated to people who are not his disciples. Despite this, we accommodate those whose names are not on the list."

It was reported that Sheikh Zakzaky has been distributing foodstuffs to the needy during Ramadan for over 20 years, and the initiative is now being expanded to other cities across Nigeria.

Beneficiaries of these food items expressed their gratitude, praying for Sheikh Zakzaky's health and longevity.

Muhammad from Gyallesu, a beneficiary, expressed, "We are thankful and pray to Almighty Allah to bless Malam Zakzaky. Many people are struggling, but this support from Malam alleviates much of the hardship."

Auwalu from Sabon Garin Zaria, while expressing his happiness regarding the support he received, stated, "I am a driver, but every year I benefit from this gesture, and those close to me benefit also. I am very happy with that."

Many beneficiaries in Zaria hailed from various parts of the city and its surroundings, including Zaria, Sabon Gari, Samaru, Bomo, and others.