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Tag: Sokoto Govt

  • Sokoto Govt Procures Generator For Specialists Hospital

    Sokoto Govt Procures Generator For Specialists Hospital

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto

    Following his unscheduled visit to the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto on the 19th of June this year, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has procured a brand new generator for the hospital to boost healthcare services.

    This as contained in a statement by the Press Secretary to the governor Abubakar Bawa said this came to the fore during the official handing over of the plant to the hospital’s management.

    Presenting the keys of the generator to the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Sokoto, Aminu Haliru Dikko said the gesture is aimed at rescuing the hospital from the terrible condition it is in.

    ” If you could recall, the governor was here during an unscheduled visit and he was deeply touched by what the despicable situation he met the hospital.

    “The hospital was in total darkness, as such he promised to do the needful and thank God, he has fulfilled the promise,” he added

    He added that the provision of the generator was one out of the many plans and glad tidings the governor has for the hospital.

    Alhaji Dikko restated the present administration’s determination to revamp the health sector of the state.

    “Already, the governor has directed the restoration of the monthly allocation to the hospital as part measures to ensure the proper upkeep of the health facility,” He added.

    The Chief of Staff further called on the hospital authorities to ensure the proper routine maintenance of the new generator.

    Responding, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Bello Umar Tambuwal thanked the governor for coming to the aid of the hospital.

    He sadly recalled that the hospital had hitherto remained without light for nine consecutive months.

    Dr Tambuwal assured the governor that the new generator wlil be properly taken care of for the benefit of the entire hospital community.

    “We also thank the governor for the restoration of our monthly cash allocation,”he added.

    The Chief Medical Director therefore called on the members of staff of the hospital to redouble their efforts so as to meet the health needs of the people of the state.

  • Sokoto Govt Approve N2.5b On Infrastructure, Plans Remediation Of Flood Devastated Roads

    Sokoto Govt Approve N2.5b On Infrastructure, Plans Remediation Of Flood Devastated Roads

    By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto 

    Sokoto state government has approved the award of contracts as well as variations of some and the purchase of drilling equipment to the tune of N5.6 billon.

    The release by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor Bello Muhammad further said a breakdown of the sum indicates that over N4.5 billion will be spent on roads and bridges affected by flood about two year ago while N520 million would be spent on the augmentation of urban infrastructures’ projects. In the same breath, the sum of N467 million will be spent on the procurement of drilling materials. Equally, an additional N325 million has been earmarked for the variation of two rural infrastructures’ contracts. 

    These were the outcomes of the state executive council meeting presided over by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Tuesday, at which the council also deliberated on the field surveys currently being undertaken by experts in Goronyo and Kebbe local government areas where flood washed away roads and bridges with a view to awarding contracts for their reconstruction soonest.

    The roads are: 66.8 kilometers Kagara-Goronyo,; and, 32 kilometers Kebbe-Tambuwal, in Goronyo and Kebbe local government areas respectively.

    According to the state commissioner of rural development, Alhaji Isah Bajini Galadanchi, the sum of N1.3 billion would be spent on the construction of Romon Sarki-Gawon Gulbi road and bridge washed away by flood in Tambuwal local government area.

    An additional N3.5 billion was approved for the reconstruction of Binji-Silame-Gande road; and Wurno- Huchi road, all of which had bridges washed away by flood. 

    Furthermore, the council also approved the provision of streetlights at the sites of the ongoing two flyovers being constructed by the state government at Runjin Sambo and Rijiyar Dorowa, within Sokoto metropolis, at the cost of over N109 million each. More streetlights proposed for the completed intra-city Waziri Abbas and Maituta roads will gulp N222 million and N80 million

  • FG To Assist Sokoto Gov’t Towards Improving Health Sector – Health Minister

    FG To Assist Sokoto Gov’t Towards Improving Health Sector – Health Minister

    By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

    Shortly after inspecting the Sokoto Advanced Diagnostic Theatre, the Minister of Health Dr. Ohanire said this is a step towards complementing contributions of the electorates and therefore worthy of commendation.

    He promised that Federal Government would do all it can to contribute in the health sector which is one of the major priorities of the present administration under the leadership of President Muhammad Buhari.

    He further said without physical fitness, no progress or achievement can be recorded no matter how vibrating any country may be, “and that necessitate any caring government to improve and provide health to its citizens”, averred the Minister shortly after inspecting the installed equipped.

    The state commissioner of Health, Dr. Ali Nname earlier told the Minister that there are many personnel under training of all the diagnostic activities and maintenance.

    He said the personnel’s cut across all tribes in the country going by the facts that the state government is after those who were screened and found worthy to work in the diagnostic theatre.

  • 130 Youths Empowered By Sokoto Govt Under MSMEs In Sokoto

    130 Youths Empowered By Sokoto Govt Under MSMEs In Sokoto

    By Muhammad Goronyo,Sokoto

    Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said that his administration has in the last couple of years spent N2 billion on the development of entrepreneurship in the state.

    The sum spent on provision of capital to entrepreneurs “and reactivation of some moribund industries in the State” was raised by the government in collaboration with the Bank of Industry and disbursed as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development loan to beneficiaries.

    Muhammad Bello said governor Tambuwal disclosed during the weekend when he closed a three days entrepreneurship skills development training for 130 youth in the state organized by the Sokoto State Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development Agency (SOSMEDA) held at the state capital.

    According to the Governor, another sum of N1. 5 billion will also be provided soon to poor and vulnerable households and the MSMEs “impacted negatively” by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

    The money, provided by the World Bank, which responded to a call for intervention by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for provision of soft landing to states on the effects of the disease, will soon be accessed by the potential beneficiaries.

    “I am pleased to inform you that Sokoto State has successfully completed the documentation for eligibility and implementation will soon commence,” Gov. Tambuwal said, stressing that the money will be disbursed “as grants to 7,224 Entrepreneurs in Sokoto State.”

    The two interventions, the Governor explained, is in realization of the roles of MSMEs in economic development and poverty alleviation in the state.

    He added that apart from opening up the vast rural areas of the State and creating series of employment opportunities, they serve as springboards through which indigenous entrepreneurs can undertake ventures in the manufacturing and production sectors and eventually attract investments through partnership.

    In his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SOSMEDA, Akibu Dalhatu, said the training was designed to strengthen the capacities of youth in the state and empower them through a combination of information communication and entrepreneurship skills acquisition that ensures innovative approach to enterprise creation.

  • Sokoto Government Signed MoU With Qatar

    Sokoto Government Signed MoU With Qatar

    By Muhammad Goronyo, Sokoto

    Sokoto state government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the State of Qatar on the development of education, health and agriculture.

    This was contained in a release signed and issued to newsmen in Sokoto by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Bello Muhammad.

    The release further said this is just as the State of Qatar signs another MoU with the late Sultan Maccido family and Futures Leaders, an accredited non governmental organization to the Qatar Charity on the management of AWQAF (donated assets) projects in the state and the country in general.

    Under the second agreement the Maccido family will hand over a six hectares piece of land in Sokoto metropolis to the Qatar Charity for the construction of an AWQAF school, clinic, hostels, boreholes, bakery and mosque “for the welfare of orphans in Sokoto state and Nigeria at large,” explains Mallam Muhammad Lawan Maidoki, Chairman of the Sokoto state Zakkat and Waqf Commission (SOZECOM).

    Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state and Dr Ali Ghanem al-Hijr, the Qatari ambassador to Nigeria, took turns to append their signatures to the first agreement signifying their consent to pursue their future courses of action.

    According to Gov. Tambuwal, the areas of envisaged collaborations are: the establishment of the Nana Asma’u (All Girls) University under the auspices of the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar Foundation, provision of equipment/personnel for the soon-to-be-complete 1200-bed Sokoto State University Teaching Hospital (SOSUTH), and assistance for orphans, particularly in the area of education among others.

    While appreciating the collaboration being offered by Qatar, he observed that “there is no greater investment than developing human potentials. Once you are kind to his creatures, Allah says He will also be kind to you.

    In his remarks, Amb. al Hijr, who was accompanied by Dr Hadi Abdou, the Director Qatar Charity, Nigeria, noted that Sokoto state’s great potentials and its status as an ancient empire State that is very unique in the Africa, was why his country is willing to partner the state government.

  • NGF Visit Sokoto, Console People And State Government Over Recent Killings

    NGF Visit Sokoto, Console People And State Government Over Recent Killings

    By Muhammad Goronyo, Sokoto

    ….donates N50m to families of deceased

    The Chairman Northwest Governors Forum, the Katsina state governor Aminu Bello Masari, while on condolence visit to the people and government of Sokoto state said it was saddening to hear and witness the undeserved occurrence and therefore the need to synergize and fight these criminals.

    He said it is unbecoming, “we should not hold arms watching these happening in our areas. Our duty is to safeguard the lives and properties of our citizens no matter what it takes to fight them and bring the episode to end.

    ” These people kill without reason, no aim and therefore we have to go extra ordinary, no room for cowardice, it is the responsibility imposed on all of us northern Governors using available resources within us. Standing firm can help us, they are people always on sight, they have no religion, they are worse than animals, they have no religion.

    “I also suffered it as my in-law was killed, I know how people feel, we would continue to have policies towards these endemic occurrences.

    ” We should no wait for what is not coming our way, we have to sit up, and appealed to all to wake up to the challenges of banditry, kidnapping and all the….

    “Governor cannot perform magic as he is not a magician, it is easy to destroy, hard to rebuild, prayers are needed”.

    On behalf of northwest governors, Masari presented a check for the sum of N50m.

    Elaborating more, Kano state Governor, Umar Ganduje further also said these activity is a national issue, casualties experienced, lives lost and unless if people can be conscious on these 2 things to curtailed activities of banditry, forests should be cleared where custodians of these banditry activity are expected to reside.

    Securities must change strategy and issue of hunting must be stopped, no land ownership, it only requires security synergy.

    ” Everybody holds the responsibility of contributions toward the success of eradicating banditry as well through supplying information as bandits fabricated themselves through the society through information and prayed for winning the war.

    Responding, the governor of Sokoto state Aminu Waziri Tambuwal while acknowledging contributions and the statement made by Masari on the recent attack on people of northwest, he commended their efforts and donations to the affected populace saying It is a duty on them to come together and do the possible to show more understanding as a people, sometimes things require emergency approach, Court of Law has declared them bandits and presently waiting for Federal government to sign and make it a law to fight these people with the sophisticated weapons available to Nigeria. They have the knowledge of the terrain and can manoeuvre anyhow anytime they feel like doing so.

    ” We are very very worried, we don’t sleep, always thinking of the ways and chances to bring this activity to the end. Life is dynamic and thanked them for the visit and contributions again.

  • Banditry: Sokoto Govt Shuts Down Telecom Networks In 14 LGs

    Banditry: Sokoto Govt Shuts Down Telecom Networks In 14 LGs

    The Sokoto State government has shut down telecommunications networks in 14 of the 23 local government areas of the state.

    This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Muhammad Bello.

    “About three weeks after it approved an Executive Order in response to the situation of insecurity in the eastern flank of Sokoto State, Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on Monday disclosed the state’s collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to block services of communications operations in 14 local government areas of the state,” Bello said.

    The LGAs affected by the Executive Order include Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Ilela, Isa, Kebbe, Sabon Birni, Shagari, Rabah, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta, Wurno, and Dange Shuni.

    Bello stated that 13 of the local governments were initially affected by the Security Challenges (Containment) Order approved on September 1.

    He explained that the order led to the closure of some roads to motorists, suspension of animal trades, prohibition of transportation of cattle, as well as transportation of more than three persons on motorcycles and tricycles, among others.

    “In addition to these local government areas, Dange Shuni local government area will also be affected by the latest communications blockade, bringing the number of LGAs affected to 14,” the governor’s spokesman added.

    Meanwhile, there was confusion in parts of Sokoto after the telecommunications network from two major service providers went down, as residents were unable to make calls or access internet services.

    But telecommunication services were available for users of two other service providers, a situation that reduced the tension and apprehension among the people.

    Comments and posts on most social media platforms in the state were mostly expressions of frustration and anger by residents questioning the rationale behind the decision of the authorities.

    On Sunday, six locals were killed when bandits attacked Saminaka – a village located along the Bale-Tangaza Road in Tangaza, one of the LGAs affected by the Executive Order.

    Sources in the village said the village came under attack in the morning and those killed comprised two married women and four children.

    The women were reported to have been shot dead when they made an attempt to escape from the assailants.

    However, the spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, said they had not been briefed of the attack.

  • Sokoto Govt. Allocates Land For SON Head Office

    Sokoto Govt. Allocates Land For SON Head Office

    By Muhammad Goronyo, Sokoto

    Governor Tambuwal who was responding to the DG commended President Buhari for bringing such a legend to take care of Sokoto office of the Standard Organization of Nigeria

    “I have confidence for the vital organization that the officer in charge of brought to Sokoto is highly beneficial and educated in that field and Sokoto state would tremendously benefit with what the organization has at hand and can do considering their output nationally and internationally.”

    The governor in his contribution to the organization allocated them a plot along Wurno road where to build state head office and is subject to change if the area is not conducive and promised them building certificate and similarly promise he would be there during stone laying foundation.

    He said the organization would serve as creative avenue for youths in the state through creating small scale industries where produce can be available indigenously and as well solicited for government support.

    In his earlier remarks, the Director-general of the Standard Organization Of Nigeria (SON),Mr. Faruk Salim said with the current security threat nationwide he appealed to the government to provide a conducive plot where they can build their headquarters.

    He thanked the governor for the hospitality accorded him during the brief courtesy visit to government house.

  • As Tambuwal Raises Some Dust…

    As Tambuwal Raises Some Dust…

    …unconnected with Harmattan
    By Muhammad Goronyo, Sokoto

    Dust is rising everywhere in Sokoto State but it has nothing to do with this year’s harmattan that is around the corner. Buildings are coming down, trees are being felled but not by any natural disaster.  It is indeed, what can be called positive destruction; the clearing of old structures to make way for the new Sokoto State, as envisioned by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
     Designs are ready, MOUs signed, part payments made and compensations promptly paid. The buldosers, pay loaders, cranes and other paraphanalia are on site, all the flurry not going unnoticed, under watch of the ever watchful media.
     The Fourth Estate of the Realm is leaving nothing to speculation or chance, as the Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists sets out on a tour of all the project sites. 
      Chairman of the NUJ, Isa Abubakar Shuni said at the site of the new sports complex, ” the construction of N1.7b Modern Sports Arena and Indoor Sports Hall being undertaken by the state government has come at a right time.”
    Shuni commended the site engineers for the quality of work being carried out, adding, ” after the completion of the project, it would assist toward boosting sporting and economic activities in the state.”
     The umbrella union for journalists representing all the national and international media houses in the state were at the construction sites of the State University Teaching Hospital and the Government Girls Science College a day earlier.

      The Sokoto NUJ tour is a first hand assessment exercise of the projects being carried out by the administration of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, which has so much ground to cover, as there is so much work on the ground. Flyovers, roads, hospitals and schools all over the state are on cue for the journalists’ visit. 
    When contacted on all the outstanding issues,Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the governor, Alhaji Abu Shekara confirmed that social media practitioners too are not relying on what they hear about Tambuwal’s projects. This is the third week of a tour of local governments by a group of committed young men, who seek out water works and schools being built by the Sokoto State Government.   Abdurraham Muhammad Yabo and Amar Shagari, two dedicated new media enthusiasts have covered so much ground in their self assigned work. And they have so far, provided a pictorial insight into what Tambuwal is accomplishing in the rural areas, where the big tabloids, TV channels and prominent radio stations have not reached.
      In Sokoto State the media are on a foray. And if Tambuwal is a silent achiever, it is silence that the watchdogs do not support. They go, they see and they are impressed

  • Sokoto Govt. Partners UK To Fast Track ICT Sector

    Sokoto Govt. Partners UK To Fast Track ICT Sector

    By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

    Sokoto state government in partnership with the United Kingdom is set to upgrade the standard of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector in the state to world class level.

    Gov. Tambuwal stated this Thursday afternoon when he participated in the UK Fund Prosperity Fund-Nigeria Project Technical e-Conference on Right of Way (RoW) in Abuja.

    Governor’s media aide,Muhammad Bello further stated that the partnership, brokered by the Director-General of ICT in Sokoto state, Dr Nasiru Daniya, was endorsed and supported by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Her Excellency Catriona Laing.

    According to Gov. Tambuwal, the state government is, by this development, poised “to reposition the ICT sector by facilitating the passage of the Sokoto State Information and Communication Techlology Development Agency (SICTDA) Bill, which is intended to speed up ICT integration and development across the 23 local government areas in the state.”

    He added that his administration is committed to supporting the reduction in the cost of RoW to allow Broadband Penetration in the country.

    The governor also pledged “to engage the British High Commission and other developmemt partners to ensure that the state successfully achieved its digital agenda tagged: #SokotoDigitalAgenda.

    He further pledged, along with other state governors, to take the issue of Broadband Penetration more serious, saying: “it is a prerequisite towards the development of the Global Digital Agenda, which could close the gap of the digital divide amongst nations.”