Vice President Kashim Shettima has flagged off the Sokoto State Government’s distribution of palliatives worth N5.1 billion to residents of the state.
The palliative distribution is in fulfilment of the fuel subsidy removal policy by the Federal Government, which approved over N180 billion as palliatives to the 36 state governments to procure grains and other agricultural inputs for residents.
Flagging off the exercise on Monday, Shettima restated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians in his programmes and policies.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a compassionate leader who sleeps and wakes up each day with thoughts of how to alleviate the plight of Nigerians, especially the vulnerable among us.
“He is committed to promoting the welfare of citizens of this country, which is why he will soon introduce robust programmes that will help improve the living conditions of citizens,” the Vice President said.
Commenting on the distribution of palliatives by the Sokoto State government, Shettima said: “This is a very laudable initiative by the governor worthy of emulation by other State governments.”
On the donation of operational vehicles to security agencies by the state government, the VP said: “The Federal Government is very appreciative of the support the state government gives security agencies operating in the state. The vehicles you have purchased for them will help a lot in maintaining peace and order in Sokoto because there can be no development without peace.”
Shettima also praised the BUA Group for donating 10 patrol vehicles to security agencies, calling on “other private organisations in the state to emulate the BUA Group and support our security agencies.”
The Vice President equally commissioned the Rijiyar Doruwa flyover, constructed by the state government at the cost of N5.3 billion.
Earlier in his remarks, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the distribution of palliatives was “to address the plight of our people, especially the poor among us.”
Governor Aliyu, who disclosed that N5.1 billion was spent on the procurement of grains, said it will be distributed “free of charge, to our people, no matter their religion or party affiliation.”
The event also featured the unveiling of a transportation scheme by the state government, comprising the provision of 20 Toyota Camry cars, exclusively for use by women, as well as 50 mass transit buses for inter-city transportation service at affordable rates.
Present at the occasion were former governor of Sokoto, Senator Aliyu Wamakko; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, among others.