Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills Jnr, has extolled Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s 9-point agenda for the state.
He remarked on Thursday in Sokoto when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House in Sokoto.
He said he was in Sokoto to brainstorm with Gov. Aliyu on his areas of priority for the state, especially his 9-point smart Agenda.
“I have heard and impressed with the 9-point agenda which the governor has laid out, they’re in tandem with US vision.
“It touches many areas that we feel are the most dear to you; security, education, and youth empowerment, among others,” he added.
Mr Mills also said he was in the state to find out how US programs have been impacting the development of Sokoto state.
He described Sokoto State as very important in the religious, political, and cultural spheres of the country.
Responding, Gov. Aliyu commended the US Government for various initiatives introduced that include, the USAID programs that have made a lot of impact on the lives of people.
He also said USAID has been doing very well in healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, education, and humanitarian affairs.
“Sokoto is benefiting from your interventions and we need more of your support, Your Excellency, Sir, “he appealed.
Gov. Aliyu further said his administration is working hard to improve the lots of people of the state, through the provision of infrastructure, healthcare delivery, water supply, provision of quality education, and youth empowerment.
“In the area of security, we have distributed 130 patrol vehicles to the security agencies to enhance the fight against bandits, established the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps, procured 40 patrol vehicles and 700 motorcycles for the corps as well as the provision of the needed facilities for the operationalization of the Air Force Base in the state.
“We have also restored and reviewed upward the monthly allowance given to the security personnel deployed to flash points in the state,” the Governor added.
On the issue of state Police, the Governor said discussions are ongoing with the federal and state governments to come up with a framework on how best it can be implemented.
On the issue of the last EndBad Governance protests, the Governor said though the organizers started in good faith to voice their concerns about governance, it was later hijacked by the opposition and hoodlums and caused mayhem in the land.
The Governor thanked the US Ambassador for the visit and wished him a successful duty tour in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
