Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has vowed to ensure the sustenance of partnerships with USAID State2State and other donor agencies for the state’s development.
The governor, who gave the assurance during the Sokoto State 2025 Citizens Budget Discussion, said, “I wish to acknowledge the contributions, support and assistance made by USAID State2state Project and other donor partners.
“I appreciate the participation of civil society organisations and other non-governmental organisations in this forum. For the religious leaders, women’s wing, and youths, we thank you for your invaluable support of our common cause.
“We shall continue to partner with Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, the World Bank, USAID State2State and other development partners working in the state for a mutually beneficial collaboration for the overall good of our people.”
In preparing the 2025 budget, Governor Aliyu announced that, as part of his plan for the health and education sector in the state, the government had allocated fifteen per cent of the 2025 budget to health with 25 percent to education sectors.
The governor added, “The platform of Citizens Consultation has become an annual exercise in which the state and non-state actors meet to showcase our scorecard during the year and collectively plan for the coming with mutual understanding and respect for realities around us.
“The exchange of ideas between the citizens and government has demonstrated our collective resolve to carry everyone along in the development of the state at both conception and implementation levels.
“This approach has further consolidated our democratic principle of people participation, which makes it very necessary for all relevant stakeholders to partake in this important component of budgetary processes to ensure their concerns are heard and taken into consideration.”
The state team lead of USAID State2State, Dr Aminu Ladan, commended the governor for providing an enabling environment for donor agencies to work in the state.
He said USAID State2State will continue to partner with the state government to ensure the development of key sectors such as education, health, and WASH facilities.
“We have requested 15%, 25% and 5% budgetary provision for health, education and WASH sectors, respectively.
“Mr Governor has approved 15% and 25% for health and education sectors, respectively, and instructed the Ministry of Budget to ensure compliance.
“USAID State2State will follow on with the Ministry of Budget and Sokoto State House of Assembly to ensure such commitment is fulfilled,” he added.
