NEWISSUES
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
Sokoto state government said it has purchased no fewer than 186,000 bags of rice at the cost of over 14 billion naira and would sell same to the people of the state at a 55 percent subsidized rate.
Speaking during the flagging off of the sales Wednesday in Kware Local Government of the state, the governor, Ahmed Aliyu hinted that it was in continuation of his administration's numerous efforts at cushioning the effect of the hash economy faced by most Nigerians.
According to him, the 168,000 bags of rice were purchased at the total cost of N14, 448,000,000.00 for the commencement of ths programme.
“”The commodity would be sold out to the general public at a discounted rate of 55% of the purchase cost, thus 50kg bag rice would be sold at the cost of N38,700.00 while 25kg and 10kg are to be sold at the cost of N19,350 and N7,740 respectively”.
He further admonished the committee in charge of the sales to also sell to those interested in buying measures at same subsidized rate across the 244 council wards of the state.
Continuing, the governor who said adequate security arrangements has been made for the smooth process, also appealed to the people of the state to join hands with him in making the state better for all, adding, criticism at whatever basis should be constrictive hence election has come and gone.
He further assured that, at the end of his first tenure, most people will come to Sokoto to cherish the extend of the developmental efforts of his administration.
Addressing the gathering earlier, the chairman of the subsidize sales committee, Chiso Abdullahi Datijo had disclosed that, the proceed from the sales will be utilized as a revolving fund that will be further used to procure other essential commodities.
On his part, Kware local government Coordinator of the subsidized rice sales, Professor Malami Maishanu said the government is using the gesture to promote food security.
“”As coordinators of the local government on this noble assignment, we are committed to deligently ensure equitable sales for all irrespective of whatever affiliation””. Prof Maishanu assured.
