Female journalists in Jigawa State on Tuesday provided iftar meals to about 800 inmates at the Kakau Main Custodial Centre in Dutse as part of activities marking the Ramadan fasting period.

The outreach was organised by the Jigawa State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists under the leadership of its Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Surko, who also heads the Voice of Women in the state.

The association said the initiative, which is the first of its kind by the group during Ramadan, was designed to support inmates and share in the spirit of compassion associated with the holy month.

Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service approved the preparation of the meals at the custodial facility, enabling the journalists to cook and serve fresh food to the inmates ahead of the evening breaking of fast.

Speaking during the distribution, Surko said the gesture was intended to ensure that inmates were not left out during the Ramadan observance.

“We brought food to help the prisoners break their fast during this holy month,” she said.

She urged the inmates to remain steadfast in prayers and seek divine mercy, while also calling on well-meaning individuals and organisations to extend support to people in detention.

“Let us remember those in custody and offer assistance where possible,” she added, noting that the intervention was both a relief effort and a reminder that inmates are not forgotten.

Surko also stressed the importance of humanitarian service among media professionals, saying journalists have a responsibility to contribute positively to society. She added that the association would sustain similar initiatives for vulnerable groups.

In his response, the officer in charge of the facility, represented by his deputy, SP Nuhu Umar, commended the association for the gesture, describing it as a significant act of kindness.

He said the inmates joined the visiting journalists to observe iftar and offered prayers for the success of the association.

According to him, the visit underscored the value of community support for correctional centres and boosted the morale of the inmates.

“NAWOJ’s intervention has brought happiness to the inmates,” he said, urging other organisations to emulate the initiative.

Some of the inmates, who expressed appreciation for the visit and the meals, described the experience as memorable and offered prayers for the journalists.

“This is a day we will always remember,” one inmate said, as others prayed for blessings upon the association.