Sokoto State Government has announced free education for children of beggars, vulnerable and other less-privileged members of the society.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto made the announcement on Wednesday at a special breakfast (iftar) session organised for hundreds of them by the state government.

Tambuwal said that a pilot scheme started in 2016 in three local government areas in the state, and a decision has now been reached to expand the scheme to all parts of the state.

“During the campaign, I made a promise to introduce special welfare packages to improve your well-being.

“The last administration introduced the payment of monthly stipends to you.

”I am happy to note that we have not only continued with it, we have also enhanced it.

“Our aim is to empower you all to ensure you have something you can do to permanently support yourselves and your families.

”I am happy many of you have positively responded to these initiatives.

“Today, I want to announce to you that we are introducing another special scheme, which will ensure that all your children get quality education, free of charge.

“The relevant ministries are to liaise with you and come up with the required number of school-age children for the immediate implementation of the policy,” he said.

The governor further urged them to support the government to create a better environment and future for children in the state.

While reiterating the determination of his administration to improve the welfare of all citizens, Tambuwal urged them to ensure that all their children were immunised against childhood killer diseases.

“Don’t hide your children at home if they fell ill. Bring them to the nearest health facility for assessment and treatment,” he said.

Various speakers at the gathering commended the state government and Tambuwal for the gesture.

They prayed for the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari from his medical vacation.