In times of biting economic hardship, leadership is often measured not by words but by action. Across communities in Nigeria, the holy month of Ramadan has once again become a season of compassion, reflection and support for the vulnerable. In Lokoja, such compassion recently found expression in a major humanitarian intervention led by Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited.
In his effort to empower his community and cushion the impact of the prevailing economic crunch, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa distributed food items and other essential commodities worth over N50 million to the Muslim ummah in Lokoja and its environs. The gesture, coming at a time when many households are struggling with rising food prices, has been widely applauded as timely and impactful.
Observers say the intervention has gone a long way in assisting less-privileged Muslims, especially during Ramadan when families strive to meet both spiritual and material obligations. The distribution reportedly covered more than 6,000 beneficiaries, cutting across vulnerable groups within the community.
Beyond the direct relief to households, the initiative also stimulated the local economy.
Alhaji Nura Abdullahi, a trader at Lokoja International Market who supplied items such as milk, cooking oil and seasoning cubes, described the intervention as unprecedented.
“For the first time, a Lokoja indigene injected millions of naira directly into the Lokoja International Market where traders benefited,” he said. According to him, the bulk purchase of commodities provided a significant boost to local businesses already grappling with low patronage.
He also commended His Royal Highness, the Maigari of Lokoja, Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, noting that it is during his reign that such large-scale empowerment initiatives have gained momentum. “It is during his reign that Almighty Allah used Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa to touch over six thousand less-privileged Muslims in this community,” he added.
The outreach is not limited to Ramadan palliatives. The Isa Kutepa Outreach programme recently empowered petty traders with grants of N100,000 each, aimed at strengthening small-scale enterprises and enhancing economic self-reliance among beneficiaries.
A Lokoja resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, praised the Maigari for what he described as foresight and concern for his subjects. He noted that the restructuring of the Kutepa Outreach under the traditional institution has improved transparency and broadened its reach.
“We believe the restructuring is yielding the needed dividends, unlike before when a few persons cornered millions while many of our people wallowed in poverty,” he said.
Indeed, philanthropy achieves its greatest impact when it is inclusive, transparent and community-driven. The Kutepa initiative illustrates how private individuals and corporate leaders can complement government efforts in addressing hardship at the grassroots.
As economic realities continue to challenge ordinary Nigerians, interventions such as this offer not just material relief but renewed hope. And in a season dedicated to charity, sacrifice and unity, the message from Lokoja is clear: community empowerment remains one of the most enduring investments in peace and progress.
– Musa Tanimu Nasidi writes from Lokoja.
