…Says Intervention Targets Economic Hardship, Promotes Self-Reliance
Wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Ahmad Aliyu, on Saturday flagged off the distribution of cash grants and food assistance to 3,000 women and other vulnerable groups across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
The intervention is aimed at cushioning the effects of the current economic hardship and improving the welfare and living conditions of vulnerable citizens, with particular focus on women.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Sokoto, Dr. Fatima Aliyu said the initiative reflects the present administration’s commitment to providing practical support to vulnerable members of society and helping them cope with economic challenges.
She recalled that on July 7, 2026, a similar exercise involving food items and cash assistance was carried out for vulnerable women as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of economic hardship.
According to her, the latest intervention complements several other support programmes implemented over the last three years for the needy, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, widows, and other vulnerable groups across the state.
Dr. Fatima Aliyu expressed optimism that sustained interventions of this nature would reduce the number of women compelled to engage in street begging or to rely constantly on assistance to feed themselves and their families.
She stressed that the objective was not only to provide immediate relief but also to empower women to become self-reliant, economically productive, and better able to support their families.
The Governor’s wife said the administration of Governor Ahmad Aliyu has, since its inception, prioritized the welfare of citizens, with special attention to vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society.
She noted that through various initiatives and intervention programmes, thousands of beneficiaries have received palliative support aimed at improving living conditions, reducing hardship, and promoting more dignified and productive lives.
She further disclosed that thousands of women have been trained in different trades and vocational skills to enable them to become self-reliant, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of Sokoto State.
Dr. Fatima Aliyu also acknowledged the interventions being implemented under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing them as part of collective efforts to improve the lives of underprivileged families nationwide.
She commended the First Lady for her programmes targeting needy families, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
While urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the cash and food items, Dr. Fatima Aliyu encouraged them to deploy the support responsibly to cater for their families and, where possible, to invest part of it in income-generating activities to improve their livelihoods.
She reassured women and children in the state that the administration would continue to prioritize their welfare and empowerment through sustainable intervention programmes.
Dr. Fatima Aliyu also appealed to beneficiaries and women across the state to continue supporting government policies and programmes, stressing that their cooperation is critical to achieving sustainable development in Sokoto State.
She thereafter officially flagged off the disbursement of cash grants and the distribution of food items to beneficiaries across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
In her welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Shagari, described the occasion as an important milestone in the government’s efforts to support women groups across Sokoto State through the laudable initiative of Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Ahmad Aliyu.
“This support will go a long way in alleviating the difficulties faced by many families and empowering our women to improve their livelihoods,” she said.
The Commissioner also expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare, empowerment, and development of women since the inception of his administration.
She noted that the administration has consistently demonstrated that women are a critical pillar of political participation and socio-economic development in the state.
The Commissioner urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the food items, financial assistance, and other support provided through the initiative.
“Let us continue to support one another, remain united, and contribute positively to the development of Sokoto State,” she added.
In her goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Engagement, Hajiya Zainab Dasuki, described the intervention as timely, impactful, and a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to women empowerment.
Hajiya Zainab commended Her Excellency, Dr. Fatima Ahmad Aliyu, for her consistency in initiating programmes that directly impact the lives of women and vulnerable households across Sokoto State.
“This distribution is not just about cash and food. It is about restoring dignity, building hope, and giving our women the tools to stand on their own. Her Excellency has shown that when you empower a woman, you empower a family and indeed the entire state,” she said.
She urged beneficiaries to use the support wisely and to serve as ambassadors of peace, unity, and development in their respective communities.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Displaced Persons, Hajiya Maryam D-mas, lauded the intervention and described it as a reflection of Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s compassion and concern for displaced and vulnerable families across the state.
Hajiya Maryam noted that many IDPs and host communities have continued to benefit from various support programmes initiated by the administration, adding that the inclusion of vulnerable women in the distribution underscores the government’s inclusive approach to governance.
“This gesture will go a long way in bringing relief to displaced women and their children who are struggling to cope with the harsh economic realities. We are grateful to His Excellency for remembering the plight of IDPs and to Her Excellency for leading this humanitarian effort,” she said.
The event was attended by top government officials, women leaders, and beneficiaries from across the state.
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