Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, former Governor of Sokoto State, has floated a Foundation, ‘Attahiru Bafarawa Foundation, setting aside N1 billion for its routine operations.
The foundation is to extend continuous support to the needy across the 23 local government areas of the state.
It will focus on water supply, education, health and empowerment, among other key areas of dire need.
Bafarawa made this announcement on Wednesday at the inauguration of a committee he personally established.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee is saddled with the responsibility of determining the modalities for delivering the assistance.
Reflecting on his time as a governor, Bafarawa reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the dividends of democracy were delivered to the people.
“My government achieved significant infrastructural milestones, particularly in road construction.
“I ensured that the state’s resources were managed prudently. As a result, I left N13 billion in the government coffers,” he stated.
Bafarawa, acknowledging his undying love and solidarity of the people, expressed his desire to do more for the citizens of the state.
“I feel the need to reconnect with the people in different ways. It is essential to make peace not only with the people but also with the Almighty,” he explained.
The former governor added that a lingering sense of missed opportunities drives his philosophy of giving back.
“At 70 years of age, I feel a greater connection to the people. My aim now is to address any gaps that may have existed, consciously or unconsciously, in my relationship with them,” he said.
Bafarawa said that his decision to give back comes at a time when the people were enduring economic hardship due to the challenging climate in the country.
In his remarks, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu praised the gesture, describing it as timely and commendable.
Aliyu, who was represented by Dr Jabir Maihula, the State Commissioner for Religious Affairs, expressed hope that the act of generosity would complement government efforts to alleviate economic hardship for the citizens.
He urged the committee to remain committed to ensuring the success of the philanthropic initiative by ensuring it reaches the intended beneficiaries.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who was represented by Malam Yahaya Na-Malam Boyi, also appreciated Bafarawa for his generosity.
Abubakar called on the Muslim community to continue praying for good leadership, unity, and peaceful coexistence in the society.
The committee’s Chairman, Malam Lawal Maidoki, thanked Bafarawa for the initiative and requested prayers for the committee to successfully fulfill its mandate. (NAN)
