During a courtesy visit to the Government House in Sokoto, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jnr, praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s comprehensive 9-point agenda. The meeting took place on Thursday, where the ambassador expressed his intention to collaborate with the governor on key priorities for the state.
“I am truly impressed by the 9-point agenda outlined by the governor,” Mr. Mills Jnr said. “It addresses crucial issues that are important to the people of Sokoto, including security, education, and youth empowerment.”The ambassador also noted his visit aimed to assess the progress of US programs in the region, highlighting Sokoto’s significance in Nigeria’s religious and political landscapes.In response, Governor Aliyu expressed gratitude towards the US government for various impactful initiatives, particularly the USAID programs, which he credited with making significant improvements in the lives of the state’s residents. “USAID has excelled in healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, education, and humanitarian efforts. Sokoto has greatly benefited from your support, and we hope to continue strengthening this partnership,” he remarked.Governor Aliyu shared his administration’s commitment to enhancing living conditions in Sokoto through various initiatives, including infrastructure development, healthcare, water supply, quality education, and empowering the youth. “On security, we have allocated 130 patrol vehicles to law enforcement agencies to fight against banditry, as well as established the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps. We’ve procured 40 patrol vehicles and 700 motorcycles for the corps and made provisions for the operationalization of the Air Force Base in the state. Additionally, we have increased the monthly allowances for security personnel deployed to critical areas,” the governor detailed.Regarding the proposal for state police, Governor Aliyu mentioned ongoing discussions between federal and state governments to develop a suitable implementation framework. He also addressed the recent EndBadGovernance protests, clarifying that while the organizers had genuine intentions, the demonstrations were ultimately co-opted by opposition elements and criminals, leading to unrest.In closing, the governor thanked the US Ambassador for his visit and wished him a successful tenure in Nigeria. Animashaun Salman
