Ajiyan unveils Senate agenda, makes security top priority for Sokoto East

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Sokoto East, Umar Ajiyan, has outlined security, youth empowerment, and effective legislative oversight as the pillars of his agenda, saying his ambition is driven by the need to deliver tangible benefits to the people of the district.

Speaking with journalists in Sokoto on Saturday, Ajiyan said his primary responsibility, if elected, would be to make laws that improve the lives of Nigerians while ensuring that Sokoto East gets a fair share of federal projects and resources.

He explained that beyond lawmaking, members of the Senate have a constitutional duty to scrutinise budget implementation and ensure projects approved for their constituencies are fully executed.

“My responsibility is not only to legislate but also to ensure that appropriations are fairly distributed and that projects meant for my people are implemented through effective oversight,” he said.

Ajiyan described insecurity as the most urgent challenge confronting Sokoto State and the northern region, insisting that addressing it must remain the top priority of government at all levels.

According to him, the country needs a more proactive security strategy backed by adequate funding for the armed forces and closer collaboration with security agencies.

“The insecurity has lingered for too long. We need to rethink our strategy, adequately support our security agencies and ensure they achieve the desired results,” he said.

He also backed the planned establishment of state police, arguing that locally recruited personnel would strengthen security because of their familiarity with the terrain and communities.

On unemployment, the APC candidate warned that the rising number of idle youths poses a serious threat to national stability, pledging to champion policies that create jobs and expand economic opportunities for young people.

Ajiyan also stressed the importance of education, urging governments and well-meaning individuals to invest more in scholarship programmes for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Recalling his own journey, he said scholarship opportunities enabled him to attain the highest level of his profession, adding that similar investments could transform the lives of many young Nigerians.

ALSO READ: Why I left Harvesters Church — Morayo Afolabi-Brown

He further described education as the foundation of national development, commending private initiatives that expand access to higher education and nurture future leaders.

Speaking on an award recently conferred on him, Ajiyan said the recognition would motivate him to continue supporting the less privileged and encourage others to contribute to the development of society.

He also applauded the performance of Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, particularly in tackling insecurity, saying the governor has demonstrated commitment through measures that may not always be visible to the public but are yielding positive outcomes.

Ajiyan expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between the federal and state governments would significantly improve security and accelerate development across Sokoto State.