By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
ONE time Presidential candidate and former governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa on Wednesday, inaugurated the Bafarawa Foundation with a donation of N1 billion as take off to cater for the welfare and well being of deserving less privileged in Sokoto state.
The event Bafarawa tagged ” Giving Back” attracted representative off the Sultan, scholars , preachers, Ulamas, politicians and associates of the former governor to his Sokoto residence ,venue of the occasion.
The former Sokoto governor disclosed while also inaugurating the committee saddled with the task of ensuring judicious management of the funds expected to provide relief to indigents particularly in the current hardship.
He said it was time to give back to the people goodwill and love they showed him .
” I recall how in the last 25 years, the people of Sokoto state showed me love by giving me their mandate to rum for 8 years as governor and will not want to take that show of love for granted by showing appreciation through this gesture”
He said while as governor, he delivered the dividends of democracy through ensuring land mark infrastructural development were recorded across the state .
According to him, ” I ensured resources meant for the state were managed prudently”, he added even as he confessed having some mixed feelings each moment he recalled his past as governor.
” This is why I feel I can do more in the area of giving back to the people.”
The former DPP presidential candidate added” one may have taken one action or the other which were not in public interest through commission or commission , misappropriated funds that could have gone into productive and rewarding ventures. These thoughts could be troubling at a point”, he pointed out saying they call for restitution.
He explained that his idea of giving back philosophy was more auspicious and compelling now that people were passing through harsh times occasioned by the adverse economic climate in the country.
Bafarawa who wears the tiltle of Garkuwan Sokoto disclosed that the funds was entrusted with a committee he personally set up under the Chairmanship of Alhaji Lawal Maidoki , the Sadaukin Sokoto to fine tune modalities and ways of delivering it’s mandate to its best.
” I have no doubt the committee made up of credible , trusted and responsible persons will discharge it’s responsibilities without fear or favour. Maidoki is experienced and remarkably honest especially in conducting the distribution of Zakkat and Endowment will be assisted with other trusted members to provide food, shelter , clothings water among other pressing basic needs of indigents across the 23 LGs”, he said.
In his remarks , Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto represented by Sheikh Jabir Sani Maihula, Commissioner for Religious Affairs lauded Bafarawa for his commitments to the welfare and wellbeing of Sokoto people.
The governor pointed out that ” this are some of the fundamental things needed to bring peace and relief to people at critical times where support was needed to impact lives.
” We need to come together to make Sokoto great and peaceful for development”, he urged .
Also, Lawal Maidoki who chairs the committee expressed appreciation to the former governor for finding him and others worthy to drive the course the task of managing the funds for the benefit of deserving persons in need.
Other members of the committee include: Sarkin Malamai, Yahaya Na Malam Boyi, Nasiru Bafarawa , Hamza Isah Gwadabawa and Alahji Malami Tambuwal while former Commissioner for Environment and Son to the former governor, Sagir Bafarawa is the Secretary.
