Sokoto: Group lauds Aliyu on poverty reduction

A prominent youth group, the Sokoto Youth Emancipation Front (SYEF) has commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state for his relentless efforts in empowering women through the state’s poverty reduction programme. The group praised the government’s recent graduation of 500 women trainees, who received practical skills in various trades such as leather and crafts, soap making, food and spice production, tamowa (local beverage) production, and hairdressing.

In a statement, chairman of the group, Comrade Hamisu Sani, noted the Aliyu administration’s commitment in equipping women and youths with vital skills towards self-reliance and economic independence. He acknowledged the impact of the various initiatives implemented through the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Welfare, Local Government Affairs, the Poverty Reduction Agency, and the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs.

“These efforts are crucial in creating jobs, reducing youth restiveness, and curbing idleness among the teeming youth population in Sokoto state,” the chairman said.

The youth group also commended the administration’s vision to expand the programme and train more youths in the coming years. “We believe that by the end of this administration’s tenure, Sokoto state will have made remarkable progress in job creation, poverty reduction, and employment generation,” the statement added.

Highlighting other initiatives, the group referenced the government’s recent procurement of 1,000 motorcycles and 500 tricycles, which were sold at subsidised rates to unemployed youths. They described the move as a strategic step towards promoting small-scale businesses and boosting economic growth.

The group encouraged the newly graduated trainees to make good use of the tools and stipends provided, urging them to leverage their skills to support their families and contribute to the state’s development.

The group noted the Secretary to the State Government Muhammad Bello Sifawa’s acknowledgment of the role of women in driving economic growth and called on the graduates to justify the confidence reposed in them as fitting and exemplary of a well-grounded leader.

The group also appreciated Alhaji Lirwanu Bello, the Magajin Rafin Sokoto and representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, for commending Governor Aliyu’s youth empowerment strategy, noting its potential to reduce crime and foster peace as a welcome and morale lifting endeavour.

Comrade Hamisu noted that “seeing several graduates expressing their gratitude to Governor Aliyu for the opportunity to acquire practical skills, enabling them to support their families and contribute positively to society” is a testament to the importance of the training.

The group also congratulated Governor Aliyu for receiving the prestigious Empowerment Trailblazer Awards.

“We wish to use this opportunity to also congratulate Governor Aliyu for bagging the Empowerment Trailblazer Award’ in recognition of his visionary leadership and dedication to economic empowerment in Sokoto state”, said Comrade Hamisu.