Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has urged elected local government officials to prioritise grassroots development and strengthen democratic governance at the community level.

He spoke during a meeting with the 23 local government chairmen, their vice chairmen and the 244 councillors across the state to discuss strategies for deepening democracy at the grassroots.

Aliyu described the grassroots as a vital segment of society that must not be neglected, stressing the need to ensure that communities enjoy the dividends of democracy.

“Grassroots constitute the majority of the electorate and our die-hard supporters who must be carried along,” he said.

He noted that his administration is implementing various developmental projects across the state and called on local councils to replicate similar initiatives in their respective wards.

The governor said the meeting would also review the progress and challenges of the ongoing e-registration exercise at the grassroots, with a view to finding lasting solutions.

He added that participants would assess the strengths and weaknesses of the All Progressives Congress across the 23 local government areas to enable the party to take proactive measures where necessary.

Aliyu urged stakeholders to contribute meaningfully towards achieving the objectives of the meeting.

In his remarks, the state APC chairman, Isa Saddiq Achida, commended the governor for maintaining an open-door policy.

“Your Excellency, we are happy with the way you carry everyone along without discrimination,” he said, attributing the transformation recorded in the state to the governor’s inclusive leadership style.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Dadi Adare, described the meeting as timely, saying it would provide an opportunity to address issues affecting the state’s local government system.