By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating commitment at driving social intervention programmes that impact Nigerians.
Speaking at the formal inauguration of the state 20% subsidy palliative Shops ” Shagon Sauki Na Amadun Alu” on Wednesday at Gidan Haki metropolitan area in Sokoto , the governor noted that Tinubu’s initiative was aimed at cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal as alternative for citizens to have relief.
He explained that many Nigerian lives were impacted through job creation and self reliance as a result of the President’s drive.
” Mr. President, we are really very grateful and wishing you Allah’s guidance as you steer the affairs of our beloved country”, he remarked while explaining that the Shagon Sauki initiative was a people- centred oriented programme designed by this administration to ease the economic burdens on its citizens.
The governor said it was in tune with Mr President’s initiative following the fuel subsidy removal which led to rising cost of essential commodities that today his administration deemed necessary to inaugurate the state Shagon Sauki initiative programme with an initial rollout covering six local Governments: Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko, Bodinga, Dange Shuni and Kware with 17 other local governments to be on board soon.
He explained that the state government, through the initiative, has decided to offer a subsidy of 20% on all purchases made through the programme.
He said the commodities attracting the subsidy include Rice: 50 kg of the famous Dangote rice which sells for N 75,000 in open market will be sold at N60,000 at shagon Sauki na Ahmadun Alu, while a 50 kg of our refined local rice being sold at N63,000 in open market will sell for N50,400 at shagon Sauki na Ahmadun Alu.
Others are : Millet: A 100kg of millet which sells in the market at N65,000.00 naira only will now sell at 52,000 naira only, the beneficiary will enjoy a subsidy of N13,000 naira only per 100kg bag.
Similarly are Wheat: A 100kg of wheat which sells in the market at N80,000.00 naira only will now sell at 64,000 naira only, the beneficiary will enjoy a subsidy of N16,000 naira only per 100kg.Cooking oil: A gallon of cooking oil which sells in the market at N16,550 naira only will now sell at 13,240 naira only, the beneficiary will enjoy a subsidy of N3,310 naira only per gallon. Spagetti: A cartoon of spagetti which sells in the market at N17,500.00 naira only will now sell at 14,000 naira only, the beneficiary will enjoy a subsidy of N3,500 naira only per cartoon.
According to Aliyu Sokoto , his administration was steadfast and remain resilience towards alleviating hardship and promoting the welfare of Sokoto people.
The governor said that the initiative was strategic and deliberate investment geared towards improving the well-being of citizens in the state.
” The flagship initiative is a palliative response aimed at ensuring that basic food items are made available at highly subsidized rates, which specifically targets State Civil Servants, Local Government Staff, and our dear pensioners whose purchasing power in most times is far below expectations is negatively affected by the current economic realities”, he stressed.
The governor reassured that the Shagon Sauki was not in competition with traders in the state but rather an initiative by government to assist its people, especially the low-income earners.
Performing the inauguration and cutting of tape, Governor Umar A. Namadi of Jigsaws state said the initiative was timely and purposeful on bridging the sufferings of people in the state.
He said it will further ease cost of living, stabilise market price and forces as well improve the welfare of the teeming people of Sokoto state especially for those the initiative was put in place .
” It is a big plus to civil servants , pensioners and LG staff. It will enhance productivity, their well being and the general economic activities with ease”, added the visiting governor who also disclosed that his state was fast in tune with similar strategic and beneficial programme with a template that encourages transparent and accountable platform for the participation of private sector to fast track a responsive economy that promoted prosperity in the state.
The governor encouraged Sokoto people to support the sustainability of the programme as it was not government but community-driven intervention programme for the good of all.
Earlier, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar represented by the Galadiman Gari, Alhaji Attahiru commended the initiative urging those saddled with it’s management to be honest and just so beneficiaries would access the commodities and items as designed.
” This is a sign of hope for the good people of Sokoto state that more people oriented economic programmes are coming to make the state greater “, he stated.
