Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state Wednesday laid the foundation for RUGA settlement project at Ranji and Sakida grazing reserves in Maradun local government area of Zamfara to be executed by the state government.
Speaking shortly after laying the foundation of the project, Governor Tambuwal described the initiative of Governor Bello Matawalle as a welcome development as it will bring lasting solution to banditry in the state.
Governor Tambuwal pledged to copy the Zamfara peace initiative in tackling the menace of banditry affecting some local government councils in Sokoto for peace to thrive and commended the governor for ensuring the return of peace to Zamfara state.
Tambuwal further called on North-west governors and entire people of the zone to embrace peace for the development of the region, saying no meaningful development could be achieved in the absence of peace and order in the society.
Meanwhile, Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle in his remarks at the occasion said, each senatorial district will get one RUGA settlement, stressing that the project will be executed in partnership with the 14 local government councils of the state. government.
Matawalle stated that, already, the federal government had secured the release of N3 billion to the state government as part of its support for the project in the state.
He explained that, each settlement will cost over N2.8 billion which will contain 210 housing units, secondary and primary schools, mini market, veterinary clinics, central mosque, cemetery and other community engagement facilities in which over 8,000 hectares were provided by the state government for the project across the state.
“The essence of the initiative is to improve constant mutual understanding, relationship and peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders as well as sustainable peace in the entire state,” Matawalle stated.
