By Muhammad Gazali Garba.
The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, has advised members of the opposition to engage in politics rooted in decency, truth, and mutual respect, stressing that governance should not be reduced to hatred, lies, or deception.
Dr. Aliyu gave this advice during a Ramadan breakfast with state youths at the Presidential Lodge, Sokoto, where he reflected on the achievements of his administration and reiterated the need for unity and responsible political engagement.
He stated that his administration has transformed the state to a position that no critic can deny, noting that visible progress has been recorded across key sectors.
Speaking further, the Governor emphasized that no society can prosper without creating jobs and opportunities for its youth. He highlighted that his administration, right from inception, initiated various intervention programmes to train and empower young people across the state.
Thousands of youths have been trained in various skills, provided with start-up grants, and supported to establish their own businesses, making many self-reliant and economically active.
According to him, these programmes were conducted through the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs, and Women and Children Affairs to ensure broad reach and effective implementation.
In a bid to further support the welfare of young people, Governor Aliyu announced plans to provide assistance to both male and female youths willing to marry, underlining the administration’s commitment to fostering social stability and family development.
He challenged youths to maximize their youthful age by actively seeking knowledge, both Islamic and Western, encouraging them to combine religious understanding with modern education as a foundation for personal growth, leadership, and meaningful contributions to the development of Sokoto State.
Engineer,Mustapha kofarini, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, commended Governor Aliyu for his unwavering focus on youth development and empowerment. He noted that the administration’s initiatives have opened doors for youths to explore entrepreneurship, sports, and other productive ventures, contributing to social and economic stability.
The Commissioner urged youths to take full advantage of these opportunities, assuring that his ministry would continue to expand training, mentorship, and support programmes to help young people realize their full potential.
Hon. Kamaluden Abubakar, Special Adviser on Youth Matters to the Governor, praised the administration’s consistent prioritization of youth development. He emphasized that the government’s programmes have created avenues for skill acquisition, employment, and social engagement, making youths active partners in the state’s growth agenda.
He encouraged them to be ambitious, disciplined, and innovative, assuring that his office would continue to coordinate youth initiatives for maximum impact and sustained benefits.
Hajara Abdullahi Baba, speaking on behalf of the Women Youth Wing, expressed gratitude to Governor Aliyu for his commitment to youth empowerment and social welfare. She noted that the Governor’s inclusive policies have positively impacted women and youths across Sokoto State, and she pledged the group’s continued support for his administration.
The event was climaxed with a presentation of a special award to the Governor by the APC Women Wing in recognition of his commitment to youth empowerment, social welfare, and community development.
