As part of measures to enhance cleanliness and preservation of the environment, Sokoto State Government has introduced a monthly incentive of one million Naira to any district adjudged to be the cleanest in the state.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal disclosed this Saturday at the flag off of the state’s special environmental sanitation programme in Sokoto.
He said the incentive is one in a series of efforts lined up by the government to protect the health of the citizenry.
According to him, Sokoto will observe environmental sanitation every Saturday for one month, after which the exercise will continue on the first Saturday of every month.
Tambuwal said the sanitation exercise will ensure regular and speedy evacuation of refuse in the State metropolis in particular and all parts of the state in general.
The Governor directed the state Environmental Protection Agency to establish a Department of Waste Management whose functions include adequate waste collection, recovery and disposal arrangements of waste, proper waste mapping, making and regular review of waste management plans in relation to non-hazardous wastes, authorisation and control of commercial waste collection activities and lastly, public education enlightenment on the need for effective waste management in all parts of the state.
He said government will continue to support all efforts directed towards development and protection of the environment.
“Consequently, a neighbourhood watch outfit and Sokoto Marshals are being empowered through a legislation to be sent to the State House of Assembly to have established, in their consolidated structures, a sanitary inspection unit whose role will complement that of SEPA in waste management and enforcement of environmental laws,” Tambuwal added.
He also announced that apart from the one million Naira to be given to the cleanest zone, the runner-up zone will get N750,000 while the third best zone will get N500,000.
Insecurity: Sokoto outlaws lodging in hotels without valid identification
From next year, any guest wanting to lodge in any hotel within Sokoto will be required to have a valid identification card, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said.
He said this new directive becomes necessary in view of the precarious security situation in the country and the need to bolster same for the protection of lives and property in the state.
The Governor, who spoke when his classmates from his secondary school paid him a visit at his residence in Sokoto, said the new policy, which he said is a standard procedure in all parts of the world, will affect both Nigerians and foreigners.
He said the implementation is delayed until next year in order to sensitise hotel owners, security agencies and the general public on the new policy.
“In other parts of the world, you cannot just go and lodge in any hotel without valid identification. However, this is not the case in Nigeria. We are introducing this policy as part of our commitment to security of the citizens.
“Sokoto has enjoyed peace but we will not relent on our oars, we will continue to do more to support our security agencies.
“If you are a foreigner, you must present your international passport with a valid Nigerian visa. If you are a Nigerian, the hotels will demand one of drivers’ licence, international passport or National ID Card,” Tambuwal added.
While urging all citizens of Sokoto to be security conscious, Tambuwal appealed to the people not to relent in their cooperation with security agencies, adding that responsibility for securing the state lies with all persons.
He commended the Federal Government for the proactive measure adopted to contain insurgency in the country.
