ASHENEWS reports that Sokoto State Government has donated 10 trucks of food items worth N1.1 billion, N50 million in cash assistance, and 20,000 wrappers to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Goronyo Local Government Area.
This was announced by Governor Ahmed Aliyu during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of food items and cash assistance to IDPs in Goronyo LGA.
Governor Aliyu also announced an additional donation of N20 million from the APC leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, for all IDPs in the state.
According to Governor Aliyu, the gesture aims to provide relief to the displaced persons to help them live more comfortably in their various camps.
“We are donating N50 million, 10 trucks of food items, and 20,000 pieces of wrappers to the internally displaced people in Goronyo. We are deeply affected by the activities of bandits in the eastern zone, and we are taking all necessary measures to secure the entire area,” he assured.
Governor Aliyu reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of the displaced persons until the government succeeds in relocating them back to their ancestral homes. He called for support from all quarters in halting the activities of bandits and other crimes in the state.
“Let me warn those distributing these items to refrain from tampering with them, as doing so will lead to serious consequences. These items belong to mostly widows and orphans, and they must benefit fully from them,” he warned.
The governor also lamented the involvement of youths in banditry, serving as informants, which has significantly contributed to the surge in banditry in the state. He expressed concern over youths aiding banditry for insignificant monetary gains.
Governor Aliyu called on ulamas and traditional rulers to educate their subjects on the importance of seeking livelihoods through legitimate means. He mentioned that the government is enhancing its social investment program to empower more people to earn their livelihoods legally.
“We are working round the clock to boost the agricultural sector so that all our irrigable lands can be properly utilized. We have made adequate provisions to support our farmers through improved seedlings, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and farm implements. This is to guarantee sufficient food production in our state and the country as a whole,” he affirmed.
Governor Aliyu added that the aim is to encourage more people to engage in agriculture to achieve the much-needed food security. He commended President Bola Tinubu for his support in security, agriculture, and empowerment, and appealed for more support in aerial surveillance and raids on bandits’ hideouts.
In his remarks, APC leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, commended Governor Aliyu for his numerous achievements within just one year and urged him to continue his good work. He appreciated the support of the people of the state in heeding government and ulama’s advice not to partake in the proposed national protests.
“The protest has always been more destructive than constructive, as we have seen in many places where protests have taken place. I urge you all to return to farming during this rainy season to help the state produce more food,” he appealed.
Senator Wamakko also reminded the people of the state to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu’s policies and programs in the nation’s interest.
The representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Aliyu Attahiru, commended the state government for the numerous people-oriented projects executed within just one year.
He called on the people of the state to continue rallying around the present administration to ensure more projects are executed and prayed for the success of the current administration.
The event’s highlights included the official flagging off of the distribution of food items to some of the internally displaced persons by dignitaries present.
