Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Sokoto State Governor, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), has reiterated the state government’s commitment to lasting peace and security, expressing readiness to explore non-violent solutions to the lingering insecurity challenges in the region.

Usman, while speaking with newsmen, declared the government’s openness to dialogue with repentant bandits, who are genuinely willing to lay down arms and embrace peace.

He said: “We wholeheartedly welcome any development that promotes peace and security in our region.

“It’s important to recognise that, historically, many conflicts have ended not solely through force, but through dialogue.

“In Sokoto, we’re open to engaging in negotiations with bandits who are genuinely willing to surrender and embrace peace.”

His remarks reflect the administration’s two-pronged approach to security, supporting military efforts while also embracing peace-building initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of banditry and violence.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, has approved the conduct of a Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Survey, scheduled to take place across the state between June 19 and July 9, 2025.

The survey will be conducted in collaboration with Redwire Marketing Consulting, with minimal financial burden on the government as part of a strategic partnership to generate reliable and actionable data.

This initiative will focus on critical areas such as education, healthcare, employment, standard of living, and access to essential services, providing key insights into poverty and inequality across the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Mohammad Zayyana, yesterday, in a statement, statement, stated that the survey aligns with Aliyu’s Nine-Point Smart Agenda, directly supporting key priorities, including security, economic development, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.

According to him, this will provide crucial insights into the root causes of deprivation at the household level and serve as a foundation for more targeted and evidence-based policies.

The study will follow the best international practices for poverty measurement, examining multiple dimensions, including education, health and living standards, to provide a holistic understanding of poverty conditions in the state.

“This initiative forms part of a broader push in the reform agenda of the State Bureau of Statistics instituted by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Abubakar Mohammed Zayyana,” he added.

The state’s Statistician General, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulrahman Shagari, highlighted that “the bureau has been repositioned to deliver timely, relevant, and actionable statistics, such as those expected from the MPI Survey to guide inclusive policy development and socioeconomic interventions.” (The Guardian)