Local government chairmen in Sokoto State have reaffirmed their support for Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s nine-point smart agenda and pledged commitment to effective implementation of their proposed 2026 budgets.

The chairmen made the declaration on Tuesday in Sokoto after defending their budget proposals before the State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Community Development.

The Chairman of Goronyo LGA, Zubairu Yari, who presented a budget of over N8 billion, said the council would prioritise security and grassroots development in line with the state government’s agenda.

He stated that the nine-point agenda had provided clear direction for governance at the local level.

“We appreciate the governor’s visionary leadership and commitment to improving the lives of citizens, especially in rural communities,” Mr Yari said.

Similarly, Chairman of Gudu LGA, Buhari Kurdilla, who proposed N7.4 billion, said security remained a top priority for his council due to its strategic location.

He added that the budget “aligns with the people’s needs and complements the state’s focus on security, youth empowerment, education, agriculture and healthcare.”

Also speaking, Chairman of Tangaza LGA, Isah Kalanjeni, who presented N7.6 billion, described the nine-point agenda as a guiding framework for development across councils.

He said the budget would focus on rural infrastructure, youth empowerment and security.

“Road development and youth empowerment are key to improving communication and boosting economic activities in rural areas,” Mr Kalanjeni said.

In his remarks, Chairman of Silame LGA, who proposed over N7 billion, Abubakar Muhammad, commended the governor’s performance, describing it as a strong foundation for financial prudence.

He assured that funds allocated to the council would be judiciously utilised.

Aminu Bodai of Dange-Shuni LGA, who also presented over N7 billion, pledged to sustain efforts toward delivering democratic dividends and improving livelihoods.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Bodinga LGA, Muhammad Dingyadi, who proposed N7.7 billion, said his administration would prioritise commercial development to boost internally generated revenue.

“With improved revenue, we can better support the state government’s agenda and expand development projects,” he said.

Also, Chairman of Shagari LGA, Maidawa Kajiji, who proposed over N7 billion, said the council significantly benefited from the nine-point agenda and would continue to align its programmes for the benefit of residents.

The chairmen collectively reiterated their commitment to policies and programmes that would enhance security, economic growth and overall development at the grassroots level. 

(NAN)