From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has said that his administration will soon start supporting businessmen with financial support to boost their business.
He gave the assurance Sunday afternoon while receiving an ‘Award of Excellence’ presented to him by the Zumunta Furniture Kofar Taramniya.
He added that the financial support is geared towards boosting trade and commerce for the socio-economic growth of the state.
The Governor further said revamping the economy of Sokoto state is one of his administration’s nine-point agenda aimed at reducing redundancy, idleness as well as youth restiveness.
“We have done fairly well in the area of infrastructure within the last year, so we’ll now concentrate on boosting commercial activities in the state.
“This we’ll do through the provision of capital to our traders and artisans to support their businesses,” Aliyu added.
He restated the commitment of his administration in ensuring a new Sokoto state, that can compete favourably with its peers economically, socially and politically.
Aliyu said, ” This administration is committed to providing a leadership where the diverse people’s views and aspirations are highly respected.”
Gov. Aliyu, who underscored the contributions of furniture makers to the development of the state, assured them of the government’s support to boost their business.
According to him, the furniture industry in Sokoto is contributing immensely to the economic development of the state and the country in general.
“The furniture industry employs a large number of youths who would have been idle, but are now gainfully employed.
“I want to assure you that we are introducing measures to ensure that our youths and school drop-outs have something to do,” he vowed.
The governor thanked businessmen and women in the state for their immense contributions to the development of Sokoto state.
Earlier, the Chairman of Zumunta Furniture, Tsalhatu Abdullahi Bafarawa commended Gov Aliyu for transforming the state in just one year.
“The state has witnessed tremendous improvement in the area of road network, access to quality healthcare, better education, Islamic affairs and a host of others.
“Sokoto is now clean unlike before, all the heaps of refuse that had hitherto taken over our streets have now disappeared, and water supply has also improved tremendously in the state capital.
“All these have necessitated our decision to honour the governor to serve as an encouragement for him to do more,” he added.
The chairman also called on the governor not to relent in delivering the direly needed dividends of democracy to the nooks and crannies of the state.
The chairman later presented a plaque of excellence to Governor Ahmed Aliyu.