Quote:The sum of N2.7 billion has been spent on Zakkat and endowment in the last three years, Sokoto state government has disclosed just as 172 orphans have been given bicycles as part of measures to enable them acquire basic education with ease.

The state government also provided 9100 bags of grains, clothing materials and money for orphans and the destitute in Sokoto.

Speaking at the distribution ceremony, Chairman, Sokoto Zakkat and Endowment Commission, (SOZECOM), Malam Lawal Maidoki said the sum of N12, 000 was given to mother of each of the orphans.

On the bicycles, he said the beneficiaries including girls were selected from the 86 districts of the state.

He said the bicycles were provided for orphans living far away from their schools.

Maidoki added that it was part of the efforts towards boosting school enrolment in the state.

He also revealed that over 100 diabetes patients would received their types of foods and N5000 each.

In his remarks, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said his government would continue to empower and the youth in order to stop street begging.

He commended the leadership of the SOZECOM for its accountability and called on the people of the state to support the commission to achieve its set objectives.

In his goodwill message, Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar who was represented by Wazirin Sokoto Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu Sokoto said the gestures had shown that the state government was responsive to the yearnings of the citizenry.