TEXT OF POST BUDGET PRESENTATION PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER OF INFORMATION AND ORIENTATION, SOKOTO STATE, ALHAJI SAMBO BELLO DANCHADI.
I am honoured to be here to present to you an overview of the state government performances during the outgoing year (2024) and give an insight into the 2025 budget proposal which is currently before the state house of assembly for consideration.
As we review the 2024 budget, we must acknowledge the numerous achievements recorded by the present administration in Sokoto State, under the purposeful leadership of Governor Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto FCNA in virtually all the sectors of governance with particular emphasis on his 9Points Smart agenda.
It is instructive to note that the administration is about One and a half Years in office, but only a few, out of the second tenure Governors in this country, can compare to his achievements.
Dr. Ahmed Aliyu’s achievements are so practical, formidable and intimidating that even our most bitter opponents and critics are beginning to rethink, with many silently admiring his leadership style and considering throwing in the towel.
We must begin by thanking Allah (SWT) for giving our Party Leadership, under the guidance of Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko the wisdom of choosing this young, dynamic, intelligent and disciplined patriot to manage the affairs of Sokoto State. We must equally thank the electorate for giving him the mandate to preside over the affairs of the State, which he is honestly, efficiently and religiously managing.
While we understand that perfection is not part of human attributes and that State building is a continuous process, however, every honest observer will agree that the leadership style of Dr. Ahmed Aliyu in Sokoto State has practically demonstrated patriotism, inclusiveness and impartiality in the provision and distribution of the dividends of democracy.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu has shown adequate care for the urban, as well as the rural dwellers. He has shown commitment to serve the young, the aged, the women, the Clergy (Ulama) and people living with disability.
His urban renewal program and his rural transformation projects have turned Sokoto State into a huge construction site, where projects are continuously in progress in all the corners and crannies of the State.
His monumental achievements when juxtaposed against his prudent management of the State’s scarce resources are an eloquent testimony of his qualification as a financial expert.
What is even more interesting is that Governor Ahmed Aliyu has, within One and a half Years in office executed no less than 186 Capital Projects across the State. He has been able to make these accomplishments without borrowing a kobo from any Bank or financial institution in or outside the country. Amadun Alu is changing the fortunes of Sokoto State for the better, without mortgaging the future generation with debt.
In the area of caring for the Civil Servants in the State, Governor Ahmed Aliyu can best be described by a popular Hausa saying “Ka yi taka, ka yi ta Mai Dankarfi”. Literally meaning, “he has done his own tasks and has also succeeded in doing tasks that others before him should have done”. Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has so far, not only regularized the payment of Salaries and Pensions in the State, but is currently engaged in defraying the backlog of accumulated Gratuities to the tune of over 14Billion Naira which his predecessor either failed or refused to pay. This he is doing through an initial first installment of Four Billion Naira, followed by a monthly payment of Five Hundred Million. Not only that, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has also set aside another monthly payment of Three Hundred Million Naira for the payment of officers who would retire during his tenure. The payments are running concurrently so that no debt of gratuity would be left at the end of his tenure.
Gentlemen of the Press, it is instructive to note that as a result of the prudent management of the scarce state resources, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has employed his professional financial capability to ensure that the 2025 fiscal year begins with a positive opening balance of over 100 Billion Naira, with all financial liabilities paid as and when due.
Despite the security challenges bedeviling some parts of the state, we have recorded significant achievements in many areas. Our administration remains committed to fostering economic and social growth and development through provision of infrastructural facilities and collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders.
Religious Affairs
The people of Sokoto State are predominantly Muslims and considering the fact that, Sokoto State is the seat of the famous Sokoto Caliphate which was founded by the renowned Islamic Jihadist and Reformer, Sheikh Usmanu Bin Fodiye of blessed memory, the state Governor is committed to promoting Islamic affairs, which is the second pillar of our 9-point agenda, significant strides have been achieved during the period under review.
We have constructed and renovated many mosques across the state, providing them with boreholes, solar power systems and Carpets for the comfort of worshippers.
The Government has introduced a monthly cash allocation of between Three Hundred Thousand Naira to Five Hundred Thousand Naira for Juma’at mosques across the state.
Additionally, we have provided periodic food and cash assistance to Imams, Deputy Imams, and Mu’azzins, malaman zaure and grassroots preachers across the state.
Moreover, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has re-established, trained, equipped, and operationalized the Hisbah Board to address immorality and social vices in our society.
These efforts are a demonstration of our commitment to promoting Islamic values and improving the welfare of our people. This will also go a long way in reducing crime and bringing down the level of insecurity in our state.
Security matters.
Despite the security challenges experienced in some local government areas, especially the Eastern Senatorial District, our administration has made significant efforts in tackling banditry.
Over 140 patrol vehicles have been procured and distributed to security agencies with a view to enhancing security operations in the state. Additionally, we have established the Community Guards corps and provided them with necessary operational tools and logistics to complement the efforts of our conventional security agencies. Alhamdu Lillahi as our efforts has continued to yield positive results, with successes being recorded by our gallant security personnel. This is evident by the improvement in the social and economic activities in most of the affected areas. We are not unaware that the security challenges are being compounded by spillover effects from neighboring States and the Republic of Niger.
We remain Grateful for the sacrifices of our gallant officers and the committed and patriotic members of the affected communities who have provided the vital support and credible information to make these successes achievable.
Infrastructure and housing
The present administration has constructed and laid asphalt on over 150 township roads as part of our urban renewal program which is also progressing smoothly, with Sokoto city wearing a new look and solar-powered streetlights being installed in all the major streets in the City. All the 23 local government area Headquarters have also benefitted from the Solar Lights installation program.
Similarly, the state government is currently constructing 1000 houses in Gidan Salanke and Wajake on the outskirts of the State Capital. The Government of Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has also purchased 137 housing units built by the federal housing authority in Kwannawa area.
Social Welfare and Youth Empowerment
The Government of Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has restored the payment of monthly allowances to people with disability, which had been discontinued by the previous administration. Governor Ahmed Aliyu has hot only restored the monthly stipend, but has increased the allowances from ₦6,500 to ₦10,000.
The state government is also committed to increasing the number of the benefitting disabled persons from the present 6,679 to 10,000 beneficiaries in the coming year. In fulfillment of a promise he made earlier in the year, the Governor has also supplied 500 hand cycles to be distributed to people living with disability across 23 LGAs of the state. He has also announced that another consignment of 500 handcycles will soon be delivered. This is in addition to fashioning a Special training program for people living with disability in the year 2025, as well as carrying out a comprehensive repositioning of the Adisa Raji Special School.
On youth Empowerment, the state government has trained the youth in various skills such as tailoring, computer repairs and installation, vulcanizing e.t.c and provided them with working tools and cash assistance.
In similar vein, the state government purchased 500 tricycles and 1000 motorcycles to be distributed to our teeming unemployed youth. Each of the Motorcycles was purchased by the government at the cost of N1,275,200 and will be sold to the beneficiary at the cost of N300,000 only while ,the tricycles which are of two category i.e Electricity and fuel powered which will be sold at N1,500,000 and N1,000,000 respectively against the purchasing cost of N5,800,000 and N3,500,000 by the government. The Government has already set up a Committee to advice on the modalities of sale of the Motorcycles and Tricycles.
Equally 10,000 youth were trained on digital and technical skills. All these efforts by the state government are aimed at making our teeming youths in the state more productive and self-reliant members of our society.
Education
On education, the State Government has executed various projects, including the construction of over 170 blocks of classrooms and toilets in our basic schools, eg Karfen Chana primary school, Kiri Sallamawa primary school (Gada), Jss Margai (Kebbe), IDP camp primary school Goronyo ,Gyal-Gyal Jss (Wurno), Bada-Bada primary school, Kware LGA.S imilarly renovation and fencing of 79 dilapidated structures in our schools was carried out across the state such as Inname primary school, Asara primary school in Gwadabawa LGA, Jss Labani in Silame LGA, Maitandu primary school, Isa LGA among others, as well as provision of instructional materials and furniture.
The construction and renovation of schools will significantly improve the availability of quality educational infrastructure, particularly at the junior secondary schools level. These initiatives will provide students with a better learning environment, which is essential for effective education. The expansion of secondary education infrastructure will help accommodate the growing population of school-age children and increase access to education in rural and underserved areas.
These efforts bring about increase in Enrollment, Particularly for Girls in our primary schools as over 800,000 children have been enrolled in school since 2023, with a particular focus on increasing girls’ enrollment. Between 2023 and May 2024, there has been a 7.4% increase in girls’ enrollment in primary schools.
The increase in enrollment, especially among girls, is a positive development in promoting gender equality in education. by addressing barriers to girls’ education, such as cultural norms or economic constraints, the administration is empowering women and contributing to the broader goal of gender equity. It is a well-known fact that educating girls has long-term socio-economic benefits, including improved health, reduced poverty, and enhanced community development.
The Sokoto State Government, under Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has also paid all the outstanding bills for local and international students of tertiary institutions. A case in point, only last week, the Deputy Governor, Engineer Idris Muhammad Gobir, received in audience, medical students of an Indian University, who came to thank the State Government for settling the sum of 460 Million Naira which enabled their graduation in various professions in the Health sector.
This is in addition to the regular payment of WAEC, NECO NABTEB and NBAIS, as well as the purchase of JAMB forms.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration in cognizance of the importance of education as the bedrock for any sustainable development, has made substantial progress in addressing the challenges facing the sector in Sokoto State. Through infrastructure development, increased funding, and targeted initiatives to improve access and quality, especially for girls and marginalized groups, the government is laying a strong foundation for the future. The focus on improving the physical environment for learning, enhancing examination processes, and empowering youth with formal and non-formal education will have a lasting impact on the state’s educational outcomes. Continued investment and strategic planning in these areas are essential for ensuring that the gains made are sustained and expanded.
Only this week, the State Executive Council at one of its regular meetings, approved the award of Contracts for Comprehensive rehabilitation and repairs of the two command Secondary Schools in Sokoto and Shagari, as well as some of our premier Secondary Schools, such as the prestigious Nagarta College, Government Science Secondary School Yabo and Sultan Abubakar College. At the same sitting, the Government also awarded contract for complete rehabilitation and repairs of the Marafa Danbaba primary School and Magajin Rafi Primary School, Tudunwada in Sokoto.
Healthcare Services
We have sustained health education, immunization, and disease control, as well as provided free medical care to pregnant mothers and children across the state.
The state government has recruited 800 nurses and midwives across the state in addition to provision of medical equipment in all the health facilities in the state.
Agriculture and Economic Empowerment
For the first time in history, the Sokoto State Government has distributed free of charge, fertilizer, pesticides, and farm imputs to farmers aimed at supporting food production in the state. Our poverty reduction efforts have also yielded positive results, with thousands of youths trained in various skills while livelihood grants have been provided to economically active households. We have also provided social cash transfers to the poor and vulnerable in our society.
The state government has in recent time constituted an Economic Advisory Committee with a view to coming up with a blueprint to resuscitate economic activities. It will also provide a roadmap towards reviving our ailing industries and enhancing small and medium businesses in the state.
The state government has also established 7000 hectares of Moringa Olifera agroforestry in 17 communities of Wurno and Gwadabawa LGAs in addition to rehabilitation of degraded lands of about 1200 hectares at Saturu forest in Dange/Shuni LGA.
Water Supply and Rural Development
The State Government has awarded contracts for the completion of the four major water schemes started by the administration of former Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, aimed at ensuring adequate water supply in the state Capital. The project, on which the State Government has made substantial financial commitment of Seven Billion Naira, has reached advanced stage of completion. On rural development, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has awarded contracts for the construction of feeder roads in all the three Senatorial districts. Some of which are the following:- In the Eastern Senatorial District the roads being constructed include Huchi-Gidan Kamba-Lugu junction, Wurno-Kwargaba-Sabon gari, Goronyo- Kirare, and Wurno-Tunga-Gidan Bango-HammaAli. Kaffe-Gidan gyado-Tsitse. In Sokoto South Senatorial District has Gurmun gawo- Mazangari- Kunkumi, Waziri Estate-Hurumi-Gidan Faruku, Prison Yard-Yagawal-Nabaguda-Dogondaji, Kauran mido- Sifawa. In the Sokoto North Senatorial District we have Girabshi-Kalambaina, Success Roundabout – Gidan fillani-Nasarawar Arkilla among others.
Energy Supply and Electrification project
Recently the Ahmed Aliyu administration awarded contracts for the completion of the inherited IPP project in the state at the cost of N950million, which will help in actualizing our dream of reviving our collapsed industries in the state. In further demonstration of his desire to better the lives of his people Governor Ahmed Aliyu has also embarked on the reconnection of 8 local government areas that have been without electricity for close to a decade in the eastern zone of the state. This is aimed at changing the economic fortunes of our people.
Payment of salaries and Gratuities
My brothers members of the press, it could be recalled when the present administration came on board, civil servants in the state were receiving their salaries almost 10days into the succeeding month.
This has been changed by the present administration, civil servants and pensioners across board are now receiving their salaries and Pensions from the 19th of every month. On the issue of national minimum wage, the state government is fully committed to the payment of the N70,000 to all the civil servants in the state with effect from January 2025 insha Allah
Works and Transport
During the period under review, the State Ministry of Works and Transport has embarked on the construction of many roads across the State, which include but not limited the following:-
- Tureta-Gidan Kare Road.
- Badau/Darhela Roads, and the
- 28-Kilometer Wamakko to Silame Road
- Only this week the Sokoto State Executive Council awarded contract for the repairs and asphalting the road linking Kajiji with our border to Zamfara State along Sokoto-Gummi road at 8.1 Billion Naira.
In the transport sector, 110 mass transit buses and taxi cabs for intra and intercity services have been procured and deployed to ease transportation difficulties, occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, in addition to 46 buses for inter-local government mass transit. Also, the State Government has procured 20 motorized boats and 1000 life jackets for riverine communities to reduce incidents of riverine accidents. All these are services being rendered at subsidized prices aimed at making life easier for the people.
Poverty Reduction
The Government has commenced the distribution of palliatives to people across the 23 local government areas of the state, through the purchase of 280 trucks of rice containing 168,000 bags, at the cost of ₦14.4 billion, which is currently being sold at subsidized prices across the 244 wards of the state.
For emphasis, my Dear brothers, the Sokoto State Government is selling a 50 kg bag of rice at N38,700. Courtesy of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.
These achievements demonstrate our administration’s commitment to delivering quality services and driving economic growth and development in Sokoto State. We look forward to building on these successes in the coming year.
Gentlemen of the Press, as the year 2024 draws to a close, let us take a look at the major highlights of the 2025 Budget Proposal which is currently before the state Legislature for consideration.
The 2025 budget proposal, tagged “Budget of Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability”, is designed to address the pressing needs of our citizens, while promoting economic growth and development. The budget allocates:
- 33% for recurrent expenditure, focusing on salaries, pensions, and overhead costs.
- 66% for capital expenditure, prioritizing projects that drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.
Some key areas of focus for the 2025 budget include:
- Education: with 25% allocation.
Devoting substantial portion of the state’s budget to education is a significant commitment to improving the sector.
This move will help address infrastructural deficits, fund educational programs, and ensure the effective delivery of teaching and learning. By surpassing UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15-20%, the administration is demonstrating its priority for education, which is critical to achieving sustainable development.
- Healthcare: 16% allocation. Enhancing healthcare infrastructure, improving medical services, and promoting health education.
Under this sector, the state government is committed to renovate and equip the 244 healthcare centres in all the electoral wards in the state and provide them ambulances for effective health care service delivery.
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in roads construction, water supply, and energy projects to drive economic growth and improve living standards.
We believe that this budget proposal will help us achieve our vision for a prosperous and developed Sokoto State. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation.
Gentlemen of the Press, I want to conclude by saying that the way things are going and judging by the monumental achievements of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, within such a short period of time, in the areas of Infrastructure, Economy, Social Welfare and Poverty Reduction, Governor Ahmed Aliyu will rank among the Best Five Governors in the Country before the end of his first tenure.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu has the potential, the Capacity and the will to exceed every expectation.
I see in Governor Ahmed Aliyu, a Great World Leader in the making.
Friday 13th December, 2024
