The Sokoto government says it will expand youth and women’s empowerment and its poverty reduction programmes to sustain achievements already recorded.

Ibrahim Dadi-Adare, the commissioner for local governments and community development, disclosed this on Wednesday in Sokoto.

Mr Dadi-Adare explained that the measure aimed to capture more of the population, especially in the rural areas.

He disclosed that the ministry had facilitated skills acquisition training and distributed working tools to about 2,000 persons last year, adding that given the successes recorded, the ministry planned to expand the schemes.

He also said beneficiaries had engaged in small-scale businesses, positively impacting their lives and families.

”We are upscaling the initiative in partnership with the 23 local government councils, ministries of sports and youth development, Women and Children Affairs, and Sokoto State Small Scale and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, along with others,” he said.

The commissioner lauded the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu for providing the dividends of democracy to the people.

According to him, roads spanning 30 kilometres have been rehabilitated within the metropolis, while some in rural areas have also been done, and work is ongoing in others by this administration.

”We have also renovated about 42 boreholes to restore adequate water supply to the state and its environs. Schools were also renovated and furnished by this administration to enhance teaching and learning in the state,” he said.

Mr Dade-Adare further disclosed that the present administration could procure fertiliser and food items, including millet, rice, and other grains, and distribute them freely to residents across the state to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal.

He also disclosed that the state government procured 18-seater buses, cars, tricycles, and motorcycles to ease transportation in and outside the state.

He further disclosed that the government renovated health facilities, provided medications, and procured Toyota Hilux vans for security operatives to enhance their operations.

Mr Dadi-Adare called on residents to support the present administration and prayed for its increased success.

(NAN)