As part of efforts to cushion the effects of high cost of foodstuffs and transportation as a result of recent subsidy removal on petroleum on the citizens and residents of the state, Sokoto State Government has earmarked over twenty billion naira on foodstuffs, transportation, housing among others in the State.
Briefing newsmen at the council chamber shortly after the inaugural state executive council meeting in the state, the state Commissioner for religious affairs, Sheikh Dr Jabir Maihula, said the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, has approved the purchase of items to be distributed.
According to the Commissioner, “the state executive council members in its inauguration meeting has approved the purchase of 57,000 bags of 50kg rice at the cost of 2.508,000,000 Billion naira
“The council also approved the purchase of another 26,000 bags of 100kg millets at the cost of 1.430,000,000 Billion naira”
He said the said items also include another 44,000 bags of maize which will be purchased by the state government in conjunction with the federal government.
He explained that the governor will however set up a committee that will monitor the distribution of the foodstuffs across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Meanwhile, in other to make transportation easier for people of the state as a result of subsidy removal, the state executive council also approved the purchase of fifty 18-seater Toyota Hiace Buses, 2022 model at the cost of 2.8 Billion naira.
It also earmarked over five hundred and sixty million naira for the purchase of 20 pieces of Toyota Camry, a 2022 model aimed to provide transportation for women in the state.
The state commissioner for religion affairs further explained that the vehicles will also be supported by another 10 Buses donated to the state by BUA group recently.
Also speaking, Alhaji Bashir Umarun-Kwabo, the state Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economic, said the council has approved N2.6 billion for the purchase 66 Toyota Hilux.
Umarun-Kwabo said the measure is part of the government’s desire and commitment to address security challenges in the state.
“Each Police Division across the 23 local government areas of the state will get a brand new Toyota Hilux, while the remaining will be distributed among the security outfits in the state,” he said.
Speaking on his part, Alhaji Nasiru Dantsoho, the state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, also revealed that the council has approved the construction of 500 Housing Estate.
He said the contract was approved at N7.4 billion for the construction of 300 number 3-bedroom flats and 200 number 2-bedroom flats at Kalambaina, Wamakko Road.
Dantsoho further stated that the government has also approved N1.8 billion for construction, reconstruction and various repair of roads across the state.
Similarly, Alhaji Sanusi Danfulani, the state Commissioner for Energy and Petroleum Resources, revealed that the council has approved N1.2 billion for phase 1 Solar light installation across roads and streets within the state metropolis.
. TheWitness
