From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
Nigeria’s former Water Resources Minister, Alhaji Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, has commended the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, for what he described as a remarkable and far-reaching transformation of the state.
Shagari, also a former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, cited Gov. Aliyu’s sustained interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, religious affairs, social welfare, environmental sanitation and infrastructure development, among others.
Shagari said the administration of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu had demonstrated a clear determination to change the fortunes of Sokoto State by implementing programmes and projects designed to improve the living conditions of the people and create a stronger foundation for sustainable development.
According to him, the governor’s achievements are becoming increasingly visible across the state, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, infrastructure, social intervention and environmental management.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Sokoto by his Media aide, Musa Ubandawaki, Shagari noted that the administration’s myriad of investments in the education sector, including the rehabilitation and upgrading of schools, provision of learning facilities and other interventions aimed at improving access to quality education, represents an investment in the future of Sokoto State.
Shagari also in the statement commended the governor’s agricultural initiatives in which Fertilizer and Pesticides were made free to farmers, stressing that strengthening agriculture remains critical to food security, poverty reduction and economic empowerment in a predominantly agrarian state such as Sokoto.
He said the administration’s support to farmers through agricultural inputs and other interventions would help stimulate production, strengthen rural livelihoods and improve the state’s contribution to Nigeria’s food security drive.
On healthcare, Shagari acknowledged the government’s efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and access to essential medical services, describing a healthy population as the foundation upon which meaningful economic and social development must be built.
He equally praised the administration’s attention to religious affairs and social welfare, saying that programmes targeted at vulnerable citizens, orphans, disadvantaged families and other groups have demonstrated concern for the welfare and dignity of the people.
According to the former deputy governor, the administration’s investment in roads, water supply, housing, markets, power and other critical infrastructure is gradually reshaping the physical and economic landscape of Sokoto State.
He particularly noted that sustained investment in infrastructure would enhance economic activities, facilitate movement of people and goods, attract investment and create opportunities for the younger generation.
Shagari further applauded Governor Ahmed Aliyu for giving serious attention to environmental hygiene and sanitation, observing that the Sokoto metropolis has witnessed a visible improvement in cleanliness and general environmental appearance.
He said the cleaner and tidier outlook of the state capital reflects the administration’s commitment to creating a healthier and more attractive environment for residents, visitors and investors.
He urged residents to complement government efforts by taking personal responsibility for environmental cleanliness, proper waste disposal and protection of public infrastructure.
Shagari called on the people of Sokoto State, regardless of political, ethnic or other differences, to give the administration maximum support in its efforts to move the state to greater heights.
He stressed that government alone cannot achieve sustainable development without the active participation, cooperation and support of citizens.
“The development of Sokoto State is a collective responsibility. Government can initiate projects and programmes, but their sustainability depends largely on the cooperation and support of the people. I therefore appeal to all citizens to support every genuine effort aimed at improving the lives of our people and advancing the state.”
He urged the people to continue to support policies and programmes capable of promoting peace, security, education, economic growth, social development and improved living standards.
The former deputy governor also encouraged the people of Sokoto to protect public facilities, support government initiatives and remain united in the collective pursuit of a more prosperous and developed state.
“Sokoto belongs to all of us. Its progress must therefore be a shared mission. Let us put aside unnecessary divisions and work together to build a state that future generations will be proud to inherit,” Shagari said.
He expressed confidence that with continued commitment by the government and the cooperation of the people, adding, “Sokoto State can attain greater heights of development and become an even stronger centre of economic, educational, social and infrastructural progress in Nigeria.”
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