Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has reassured that his administration will drastically reduce banditry in the state, if not eliminate it totally.

Mr Aliyu gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja, when he received the Integrity Transformative Leadership Award from The Nigeria First Integrity Group, in collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders Forum.

The governor, represented by the state Commissioner for Local Government, Ibrahim Adairi, said he would, however, need the cooperation of all to achieve the feat.

He also reassured that his administration would continue to deliver on electioneering promises made during campaigns.

Speaking earlier, Maryam Danjaki, director-general of the Nigeria First Integrity Group, described the governor as a shining example of dignity, humility, diligence, courage, and a man with love for humanity who has positively impacted the lives of the less privileged.

Ms Danjaki explained that the governor was given the award in recognition of his impact on education, infrastructure, and human development in the state.

She noted that the governor’s approval of 25 percent of the state’s budget for the state’s education sector was above many international benchmarks and should be commended and emulated.

Ms Danjaki also said the national president of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders Forum said the gesture would ensure that most out-of-school children in the state returned to school.

“There are other areas of development where he has made an impact, and these include human capacity, infrastructural, and agricultural developments.

“His life is a testimony of integrity and humility. Comparing his achievements with the state’s past governors shows how well he has done for the people of the state.

“We are happy to identify with him, and we pray that other governors in the north will copy from him,” she said.

The event was attended by Sokoto lawmakers, traditional rulers, and APC stakeholders from across the federation, among other dignitaries.

(NAN)