Nigerian families get Ramadan supplies from Turkey

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - No fewer than 510 Nigerian families have benefited from Ramadan supplies sent by Turkey's Diyanet Foundation, with food stuffs and packs distributed to schools and displaced victims of Boko Haram insurgency, the religious affairs attaché of the Turkish Embassy in Abuja said Tuesday.

"This is part of our efforts to help the poor and to advance the cause of Allah," Ali Kasikirik told Anadolu Agency.

He said beneficiaries included hundreds of displaced women and minors who were victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast and were now living at a camp in the capital, Abuja.

A total of 150 packs were distributed to Durumi IDP (internally displaced persons) camp, according to the attaché, while another 150 packs were handed out to Nurul Bayan International Academy.

Alkawthar Islamic School got 150 packs; Turkish Embassy 40; and Mpape community 20 packs, totaling 510 packs.

Kasikirik said the beneficiaries were happy and lauded the Diyanet for the gesture, adding that the Ramadan gifts were an annual practice facilitated by the Turkish government.

The gift distribution started on May 29, according to the attaché.

Among other programs, the Diyanet is popular for sponsoring Quran memorization competition in Nigeria.