The Sokoto State government has announced a 55 per cent discount on rice and other essential items procured for the people at N14 billion. Governor Ahmed Aliyu made the announcement during the inauguration of the state and local government monitoring teams for the sale of food items at subsidised rates, yesterday.

According to the Sokoto helmsman, the gesture is to cushion the effects of the current hardship, occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy in the country. He explained that the food items were for every family across the 244 wards of the state.

“Avoid any political, ethnic or religious consideration while discharging your assignment. Make sure every family has free access to these items because it is meant for every resident of this state,” he warned.

The governor assured that the initiative would be sustained until the economic situation in the country improves. He, however, called on other wealthy individuals and corporate bodies to complement government’s efforts towards improving the living standard of the people.

Aliyu also admonished religious leaders to encourage their subjects to be generous. Also, the governor inspected a military jet and other facilities provided by his administration in preparation for a new military operation, code-named ‘FANSAR YAMMA’, to rid the North-West zone of banditry.

In the company of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the governor inspected the temporary facility provided to the military, pending completion of the permanent one.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for being proactive in addressing the security challenges affecting the state. Aliyu said the deployment of the fighter jet to Sokoto under the new operation was a clear testimony that banditry in the North-West zone would soon be history.

ALSOs, religious leaders have charged President Bola d Tinubu to, immediately, seek an alternative way of improving the economic well-being of Nigerians. The Pastor-in-charge of First Baptist Church in Jos, Rev Deborah Ayandele, at a service, yesterday, tagged “Founder’s Day Service,” urged the President to tackle the serious economic challenges being faced by the people.

Other church leaders, Brothers Seyi Mafolasere, Baba Bayo Oyeniyi, Church Secretary, Femi Olayinka, also spoke in the same vein.“I’m optimistic that by the grace of the Almighty Allah, the days of bandits are numbered in Sokoto State and the North-West as a whole. What we need to do is to pray for Mr President to succeed,” he appealed.

Matwalle commended the Governor for his sustained invaluable support to the military.