By Ankeli Emmanuel,Sokoto
The governor of Jigawa state, Umar Namadi Wednesday flagged off the Sokoto state subsidized shop at the Gidan Haki, Sokoto North local government within the metropolis.
The store tagged “palliative Shop’ (Shagun Sauki Na Ahmadun Alu programme” was designed to ameliorate the suffering of the people of the state.
Speaking in his welcome address, the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu said the
“initiative, a people-centered program designed by this administration to ease the economic burdens faced by our citizens, especially in the wake of recent fuel subsidy removal which led to rising cost of essential commodities”.
While noting that his government remain steadfast in its commitment to alleviating hardship and promoting the welfare of the people of the state, governor Ahmed said the palliaitive shop which shall every commodity
at sell at 20% subsidy, will ensure that basic food items are made available to all.
“By implication, the subsidy for the commodities being sold are as follows:Rice: 50 kg of the famous Dangote rice which sells for N 75,000 in open market will be sold at N60,000 at shagon Sauki na Ahmadun Alu, while a 50 kg of our refined local rice being sold at N63,000 in open market will sell for N50,400 at shagon Sauki na Ahmadun Alu”.
On those expected to benefit from the intitaive, the governor said, the state palliaitive shop specifically targeted State Civil Servants, Local Government Staff, and pensioners whose purchasing power often time is far below expectations, especially in view of the current economic reality.
“We are commencing this initiative with essential food items such as rice, millet, wheat, cooking oil, and spaghetti, commodities that are commonly consumed by a number of households in our society and guarantees food security.
“The initial rollout will cover six local Governments as follows; Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko, Bodinga, Dange Shuni and Kware while the remaining 17 local governments will soon be covered.
Shortly after commissioning the Sokoto state Palliaitive shop, Jigawa state goveror, Umar Namadi applauded Ahmed Aliyu for delivering dividends of democracy to the people just within two years in office.
Governor Namadi who described his Sokoto counterpart as an excellent performer, further congratulated the people of the state for making a wise choice in Ahmed Aliyu.
Earlier, chairman of the state committee on sales of food items and other commodities at subsidized rate, and former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Chiso said all payments at the Shagon Saudi shop will be electronically hence cash isn’t allowed.
Lending his voice to the development, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar represented by the Galadima Gari, Buhari Attahiru said the initiative was apt and timely considering the reality of the nation’s economy.
