Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State has presented a budget proposal of N76.7 billion for the 2011 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

Tagged, ‘Budget of Hope and Reconsolidation’ it has an increase of N1.5 billion over the 2010 budget of N75.2 billion. Recurrent expenditure received N29.8 billion while capital expenditure got N44.2 billion.

Wamakko said the budget was aimed at sustaining and consolidating the development processes that were executed in the last three and a half years. He described the 2011 budget as unique, noting that it came at a time when the nation was witnessing a defining moment in its political evolution.

The governor noted key areas to be addressed in 2011 to include maintenance of peace and security as well as promoting the values of good governance in all parts of the state.

He also said there was need to ensure sustainable development through execution of meaningful projects in all parts of the state and intensifying commitment in the key sectors as well as waging war against poverty and youth idleness and promoting the culture of accountability, probity and transparency in the conduct of government business.