Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, on Wednesday evening, hosted members of the State Executive Council, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants to an Iftar (breaking of fast) at the Presidential Lodge in Sokoto, where he restated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive development.
Speaking shortly after the event, the Governor said his government would continue to prioritize job creation and skills acquisition programs as a strategy to tackle unemployment and social challenges in the state.
According to him, thousands of youths and women have been trained in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills since the inception of his administration.
He noted that the initiatives were part of deliberate efforts to curb youth restiveness and crime by ensuring that young people are gainfully engaged.
“We believe that the most effective way to reduce youth restiveness and crime is to ensure that our youths are gainfully employed,” he said.
Governor Aliyu explained that the establishment of the Ministry for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship was designed to equip young people with practical knowledge and competencies to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
He added that additional training programs have been implemented through the Ministries of Local Government Affairs and Women Affairs, as well as the State Poverty Reduction Agency, with thousands of beneficiaries recorded so far.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver the dividends of democracy across all parts of the state, stressing that security, religious affairs, education, healthcare delivery, water supply, and infrastructure development would continue to receive priority attention.
He commended Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants for their support and urged them to remain committed to achieving greater milestones.
Governor Aliyu also called on residents of the state to support vulnerable groups and the less privileged during the holy month of Ramadan, noting that acts of charity would attract divine mercy and blessings.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, praised the Governor for what he described as people-oriented projects executed within two years in office.
He assured the Governor of the continued loyalty and cooperation of members of the administration.
Sifawa also described the Iftar gathering as a demonstration of humility and inclusive leadership.
In Sokoto State, it is a long-standing Ramadan tradition for the Governor to host members of the three arms of government for Iftar, a gesture considered important for fostering unity and strengthening working relationships among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
