The Sokoto State Government said it had donated N169 million to victims of fire disasters in parts of Sokoto metropolis.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal stated this in Meet the Media to mark the end of the 2017 Democracy Day celebrations in Sokoto in Monday night.
Tambuwal said, ”The gesture was aimed at alleviating the suffering of the victims of the fire outbreaks in the metropolis.
”The state government has however devised means to curb future occurrences and mitigate the factors that cause frequent fire outbreaks in the state.”
Tambuwal warned residents against flouting building regulations as well as the Sokoto master plan.
He further urged residents and traders to desist from indiscriminate erection of structures in markets and other commercial areas.
”The people of the state should stop blocking access roads for firemen in case of any unforeseen eventuality.
” This is in order to give access for the fire men to do their job during fire outbreaks to save lives and property.”
He said his administration was workers-friendly as it promptly pays their salaries and allowances.
The governor promised to sustain the gesture, assuring that their pension and gratuities would continue to be accorded top priority.
”Pensions and gratuities of the state pensioners are paid as at when due. And we have introduced various training for the serving workers.
“Motivation is the best way to have the support of the service,
because if your staff are redundant, you will not get the best out of them.
“We will also continue to give support to the private sector and
also encourage them to motivate their staff to ensure improved
productivity in the state”, he said. (NAN)