The Sokoto State Government has said it will fund the education of the children of beggars, vulnerable persons and other less-privileged members of the society.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal announced the gesture during a special iftar session organised for the beggars and other less privileged persons at the Sokoto Government House.
Tambuwal said that a pilot scheme started in 2016 in three local government areas was successful, and a decision had now been taken to expand the scheme to all parts of the state.
He said, “During the campaigns, I made a promise to introduce special welfare packages to improve your well-being. The last administration introduced the payment of monthly stipends to you. I am happy to note that we have not only continued with it, we have also enhanced it.
“Our aim is to empower you all to ensure you have something you can do to permanently support yourselves and your families. I am happy many of you have positively responded to these initiatives.
“Today, I want to announce to you that we are introducing another special scheme, which will ensure that all your children get quality education, free of charge.
“The relevant ministries are to liaise with you and come up with the required number of school-age children for the immediate implementation of the policy. “I urge you to support government to create a better future for these children.”
While reiterating the determination of his administration to improve the welfare of all citizens, Tambuwal urged them to ensure that all their children were immunised against child killer diseases. “Don’t hide your children at home if they fall ill. Bring them to the nearest health facility for assessment and treatment,” he added.
Various speakers at the gathering commended the state government and Tambuwal for the gesture, and also prayed for the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari from his medical vacation.
