Governor Ahmed Aliyu has assured traders in Sokoto State that his administration will soon begin the disbursement of financial grants to support and boost their businesses.
The governor gave the assurance on Thursday evening while hosting leaders of the Traders’ Association to an Iftar at the Presidential Lodge in Sokoto.
Aliyu said arrangements for the grant scheme had been concluded, but disbursement would commence after the completion of the reconstruction of the burnt section of the Sokoto Central Market.
“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. It would not make sense to give someone a grant when he does not have a shop to operate from,” he said.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the market, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to revitalising commerce in the state.
“As a responsible government, we are committed to doing whatever it takes to boost commerce in the state,” he stated.
Aliyu also appreciated the support he received from traders during his electioneering campaign, noting that the business community played a key role in his electoral success. He added that his administration remains open to constructive criticism and would not be distracted from pursuing policies aimed at transforming the state’s economy.
“Our achievements are visible. Sokoto city is being transformed into an attraction site. People now visit at night to catch a glimpse of the city and take photographs,” he said.
Earlier, businessman Alhaji Bello Bulaky commended the governor for awarding the reconstruction contract of the burnt market section and for reclaiming the market, which he said had previously been sold to a commercial bank by the immediate past administration.
Other speakers, including Alhaji Chika Sarkin Gishiri, Malam Nafiu Dan Haja, Bashir Nuhu and Malam Mukhtar, praised the governor for executing people-oriented projects across the state and pledged continued support for his administration.
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