By Joy Onu
In a bold display of grassroots engagement, the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has launched a ₦200 million distribution of cash and essential food items to residents of Goronyo Local Government Area, Sokoto State. The initiative targets both vulnerable households and key APC stakeholders, providing relief as Muslims prepare for Ramadan.
A statement released on Tuesday by the Minister’s media aide, Abdullahi Mohammed, confirmed that the package included cash, rice, millet, sugar, maize, guinea corn, and wrappers. Over three trailer loads of rice, valued at around ₦90 million, were handed out, alongside sugar worth more than ₦28 million, ensuring communities can observe Ramadan with dignity.
Local government executives benefited from ₦33 million in cash. Members of the local government executive received ₦100,000 each, some ₦50,000. Ward Chairmen across 11 wards were allocated ₦200,000 each, Secretaries ₦100,000, and executive members ₦30,000 each totaling about ₦12 million for ward executives.
Community groups were also supported: the Goronyo Social Media Group received ₦2 million, Goronyo Youth Association ₦1.5 million, while youths in all wards received ₦500,000 each. APC Youth Mobilization, Women’s Association, Students Association, former councillors, decampees, and eight senior community leaders were among other beneficiaries.
The distribution extended to security agencies, including police, military, DSS, Civil Defence, community guards, and vigilantes, with 178 bags of rice allocated. Institutions such as NOWA, the Ministry of Justice (Magistrate & Courts), and INEC were also part of the outreach.
In his remarks, the Minister praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for bold economic reforms and infrastructure initiatives. He also commended Sokoto State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, FCNA, and Senator Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for their visionary leadership and steadfast contributions to the state’s progress.
Representatives of the people of Goronyo, including Permanent Secretary Alh. Hussaini Umar Gorau and Hon. Faruku Ahmad Rimawa, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s consistent support and urged continued unity under the APC-led administration.
The Minister concluded by reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and pledged ongoing efforts to support policies that improve citizen welfare, strengthen democratic institutions, and empower grassroots communities across Sokoto State.
