File photo: Sokoto SSG Bello Sifawa with Garrison Commander, Brig.-Gen. Amah and other government officials during the items and cash gifts disbursement
The Sokoto State Government on Sunday donated N38.25 million and grains to the families of 24 fallen soldiers and 57 injured military personnel in recognition of their sacrifices and defence of the country while protecting residents from security threats.
The donation, presented on behalf of Governor Ahmed Aliyu by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Bello Sifawa, included rice, maize and millet which were distributed to the beneficiaries as part of the government’s support for military personnel and families of those who died in active service.
Speaking during the presentation, Sifawa said the sacrifices made by the soldiers in protecting lives, maintaining the peace and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity deserved recognition and appreciation.
He said the gesture reflected the state government’s solidarity with the military and its commitment to supporting personnel who risk their lives in the discharge of their duties.
According to him, the government shares in the grief of families who lost their loved ones in service and wishes the injured personnel a speedy recovery, while assuring them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
Sifawa, who was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), and other government officials, reaffirmed the administration’s recognition of the military’s critical role in addressing insecurity and protecting communities across the state.
Under the arrangement, each family of the 24 deceased soldiers received N1 million, while each of the 57 injured personnel received N250,000.
The government also distributed 105 bags each of rice, maize and millet, with each family of a fallen soldier receiving two bags of each grain, while every injured soldier received one bag each of rice, maize and millet.
Receiving the items on behalf of the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, the Garrison Commander, Brig.-Gen. I.O. Amah, described the donation as a heartwarming gesture that would provide comfort to the military and the families of personnel who paid the supreme price in service to the nation.
“It is indeed heartwarming and consoling that Your Excellency values the lives of our soldiers. Of course, no amount can replace a life, but that singular gesture of reciprocity is what we value,” Amah said.
He commended Governor Aliyu for supporting the military despite the competing demands of governance and the security challenges confronting the state.
Amah said the gesture demonstrated the government’s appreciation of the sacrifices made by soldiers in protecting lives and maintaining security, adding that the support would encourage serving personnel and provide some relief to families of those who died in the line of duty.
He also prayed for divine wisdom and strength for the governor and other leaders to steer the state towards greater development.
The Garrison Commander further expressed hope that the military would overcome criminal elements responsible for insecurity in Sokoto State, reaffirming the importance of continued cooperation between the government and security agencies in the fight against crime and criminal elements.