The Sokoto State Government has said that it would pay visa fees, transportation and provide other things required by the Government of Indonesia for the award of scholarships to its indigenes.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated this, on Thursday, when he received the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Usra Hendra Harahap, and his wife, at the Government House, in Sokoto.
Amb. Harahap had outlined that having received the list of the state indigenes seeking his country’s scholarship to study at the Indonesian Defense University (IDU), it has been decided that while the grantors will provide accommodation, meals and other forms of support for the students, “the government of Nigeria will bear (their) visa and transportation costs.”
According to the ambassador, the Indonesian Embassy in Nigeria has received the names of candidates from Sokoto State and the selection process is now going on. “The final decision will be communicated to the successfull candidates who will undergo further tests as may be required by the IDU,” Harahap stated.
Governor Tambuwal, who expressed gratitude for the previous scholarships awarded to some indigenes of the state by the Indonesian Government, assured that the state would not fail to fulfill all the obligations required for the enjoyment of the current one which is in the area of defense and security studies.
He applauded the ambassador and his country “for making Sokoto a very strong point of interest by the Indonesian Government.
“The reason is not far-fetched. Historically, we have a lot in common. Nigeria and Indonesia are two upcoming countries in the global community.
“I must commend you for this important recognition and the effort aimed at deepening the relationship between Sokoto and Indonesia,” he said.
Enumerating the state’s areas of benefit from the cooperation with the Asian giant, Governor Tambuwal pointed at replication of the Indonesian artificial insemination center in Sokoto, understudying of the Pondok system with a view to adopting it to suit the Almajiri system and collaboration in the areas of trade and commerce.
He also commended the Indonesian government for its support to Sokoto state in the latter’s implementation of the zakkat and Waqf system which has helped in micro and macro socio-economic empowerment of Sokoto people.
Earlier, Amb. Harahap had similarly given kudos to the government of Sokoto State and the Sultanate for their interests in collaborating with his country while conveying regret that the COVID-19 Pandemic and the situations in the two countries has necessitated that the Governor and the Sultan’s visit to his country be postponed to next year.
Earlier, in March, this year, a delegate from Sokoto State had traveled to Indonesia where both parties discussed mutual assistance in technical expertise and capacity building.
“In the process, the Indonesian party has sent its proposal to the Sokoto State Government for its final response.
“This,” if given by the state government, he emphasized, “will be used as an umbrella model in the cooperation between the country and the state,” Amb. Harahap stated.