Sokoto State Government has reiterated its commitment to addressing the needs of residents through empowerment and poverty alleviation initiatives. Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto disclosed this during the flag-off of food distribution to vulnerable groups under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, held at Kasarawa Conference Centre.
Dr Ahmed Aliyu explained that the state has introduced several palliative support measures targeting vulnerable persons, the physically challenged, and the needy. According to him, “Thousands of bags of rice, maize, millet and cash assistance have been distributed free to the vulnerable persons.”
The Governor added that through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, SOSMEDA, under the Ahmadu Cares Programme, billions of naira were disbursed to entrepreneurs across the 23 local government areas of the state to enhance economic growth and promote job creation. He said the interventions were designed to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on households.
Describing the programme as timely, he noted, “This initiative will go a long way in giving the vulnerable ones a sense of belonging and relief in these trying times.” The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, expressed appreciation to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, stressing that Sokoto State stands firmly in support of the President’s policies.
In her remarks, the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shetima, who represented the First Lady, said the Renewed Hope food outreach scheme is aimed at supporting persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
She explained, “The food outreach scheme under the Social Investment Renewed Hope was meant to provide food to persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups to support their families.”
She revealed that the programme has reached 17 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, and announced plans to roll out more economic empowerment schemes this year targeting elderly women and people with disabilities nationwide.
The Sokoto State First Lady, Dr Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, in her welcome address, said the government has provided assorted grains to ensure women benefit more from the intervention. She listed the items as 1,500 bags of 25kg maize and millet, 1,200 bags of rice, and cash assistance of 10,000 naira to each beneficiary.
Dr Fatima also highlighted the interventions of Senator Oluremi Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing them as life-changing. She said, “The interventions have brought succour to many households in the state.” She further commended the First Lady for her concern and dedication to issues affecting women, children, and vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
