Governor Ahmed Aliyu has assured the business community in the state of the government’s readiness to provide financial grants to support and boost their businesses.
He gave this assurance on Thursday evening while hosting the leadership of the Traders’ Association to an Iftar at the Presidential Lodge, Sokoto.
The Governor disclosed that all necessary arrangements have been concluded for the disbursement of grants to traders as part of efforts to stimulate commercial activities in the state.
He said “We are only waiting for the completion of the reconstruction of the burnt section of the market so that we can commence the disbursement of the grants,”.
The Governor added “It would not make sense to give someone a grant when he does not have a shop to operate from,” .
Governor Aliyu also expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of the ongoing reconstruction of the burnt portion of the Sokoto Central Market.
He said “As a responsible government, we are committed to doing whatever it takes to boost commerce in the state,”.
The Governor further lauded the support he has received from traders across the state since his electioneering campaign, noting that the business community played a significant role in his success at the polls.
On the issue of critics of his administration, Governor Aliyu said his government welcomes constructive criticism from well-meaning citizens.
He emphasized that criticism would not deter him from pursuing transformative initiatives aimed at ensuring a more prosperous and economically buoyant Sokoto State.
He said “Our achievements are visible, they are everywhere. Take, for instance, how Sokoto city is being transformed into an attraction site,”.
The Governor added “We have learnt that people from other places come at night to catch a glimpse of the city and even take photographs,”.
Governor Aliyu commended the people of the state for their continued support and prayers for his administration and called for the sustenance of such support.
Earlier in his remarks, a business mogul in the state, Bello Bulaky, commended the Governor for awarding the contract for the reconstruction of the burnt section of the Sokoto Central Market. He noted that the gesture has restored hope to many traders in the state.
He added “Your Excellency, we also commend you for reclaiming the Central Market, which was previously sold to a commercial bank,” .
He described the move as a singular act that has helped save many businesses from collapse.
Bello also praised the Governor for awarding the reconstruction work to the traders themselves, noting that it demonstrates the confidence reposed in them to execute quality work.
Other speakers at the event included Alhaji Chika Sarkin Gishiri, Malam Nafiu Dan Haja, Bashir Nuhu, and Malam Mukhtar.
They also commended the Governor for reclaiming the Sokoto Central Market, which had earlier been sold to a commercial bank by the PDP-led administration in the state.
The speakers further applauded the Governor for the various people-oriented projects being executed across the length and breadth of the state and assured him of their continued support at all times.