US Ambassador Commends Sokoto Gov’s Nine-Point Agenda

Mr. Richard Mills Jr., the US ambassador to Nigeria, has praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s nine-point plan.

He stated this on Thursday during a courtesy call at the Government House, Sokoto.

The envoy said he was in Sokoto to brainstorm with the governor on areas of priority for the state.

“I have heard and am impressed with the 9-point agenda that the governor has laid out.

“It touches many areas that we feel are the most dear to you: security, education, and youth empowerment, among others,” he said.

Mr. Mills Jr. also said he was in the state to find out how the US programs have been faring.

He described Sokoto State as very important in the religious and political spheres of the country.

Responding, Aliyu commended the US Government for the various initiatives it has introduced, such as the USAID programs, which he said have made a lot of impact on the lives of people in the state.

He also said USAID has been doing very well in the areas of healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, education, and humanitarian affairs.

“Sokoto is really benefiting from your interventions, and we need more and more of your support for Your Excellency Sir,” he appealed.

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, as well as youth empowerment.

“In the area of security, we have distributed 130 patrol vehicles to the security agencies to enhance the fight against bandits, establishing the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps.

“We 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 discussion was ongoing between the federal and state governments, with a view to coming up with a framework on how best it can be implemented.

Also, on the issue of the last EndBadGovernance protests, the governor said though the organisers started it in good faith in order to voice out their concerns about governance, “it was later hijacked by the opposition as well as 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.