SOSG to renovate traditional rulers’ residences, review salaries

SOSG to renovate traditional rulers’ residences, review salaries

From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto

Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto of Sokoto State says his administration plans  to review the salaries of traditional rulers and renovate their official residences to strengthen the institution and enhance its effectiveness.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, issued to newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday.

Gov. Aliyu disclosed this when he received the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar on a traditional Sallah visit at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Lodge, Government House, Sokoto.

Aliyu stated that the state government intends to renovate the residences of traditional rulers this year to ensure they are befitting of their status.

According to him, a committee has already been constituted to handle the salary review, and has directed the Commissioner for Local Government to commence coordination to start the renovations promptly, starting with the residence of the District Head of Wurno.

The Governor acknowledged the pivotal role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace, unity, and stability in their domains, noting that the planned salary review and official residence renovations aim to improve their welfare and capacity to serve their communities effectively.

Aliyu urged the Muslim Ummah to sustain the virtues and lessons learned during Ramadan, particularly unity, peace, patience, and love for one another, and emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility.

The Sultan praised Gov. Aliyu’s people-oriented leadership, particularly the administration’s efforts in sustaining welfare programs and improving security across the state.

He commended the consistency of the government Ramadan feeding program, describing it as a vital intervention that cushions economic hardship among the less privileged, and lauded other social support initiatives that have positively impacted communities.

The Sultan further acknowledged the government’s efforts to tackle insecurity and restore peace, expressing gratitude to security agencies for ensuring a hitch-free Sallah celebration.

He reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Sultanate Council, pledging that the traditional institution will continue to offer advice to ensure government success and assuring full loyalty and commitment to the administration’s development agenda.

The Sultan welcomed the review of salaries and the planned renovation of official residences, describing the move as a “timely recognition of the pivotal role of traditional institutions in governance and community development”.

The Sallah homage is a long-standing tradition that symbolizes mutual respect and collaboration between the government and the traditional institution in Sokoto State.