Viral Car Gift to TikToker: Sokoto Govt Clears the Air, Says Governor Not Involved -

By Attahiru Musa

The Sokoto State Government has reacted to a viral social media video showing a vehicle and a shop being donated to Kaduna-based TikToker, Rahama Saidu, clarifying that the gesture had nothing to do with Governor Ahmed Aliyu or the state government.

Daily Star Nigeria gathered that the clarification followed public speculation after the video surfaced online, with many assuming the donation was made on behalf of the Sokoto State Government in appreciation of the TikToker’s support for the current administration.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Governor’s Spokesperson, the government explained that the donation was a personal act by an individual identified as Sanin Jaman. According to him, the gifts were given out of personal appreciation for Rahama Saidu’s admiration and support for the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration.

The government, however, firmly dissociated Governor Ahmed Aliyu from the gesture, stressing that it was strictly a private arrangement between the donor and the beneficiary.

“I want to make it categorically clear that the said donation has nothing to do with Governor Ahmed Aliyu. It was purely personal between the two of them — the giver and the beneficiary,” the statement said.

The statement also cautioned individuals against making donations or carrying out activities in the name of the governor or the Sokoto State Government without proper consultation, noting that there are more structured and impactful ways of supporting government efforts.

While welcoming genuine support from well-meaning citizens, the government urged donors to align such gestures with the administration’s nine-point SMART agenda. Key focus areas include tackling insecurity, promoting moral values, youth empowerment, environmental sanitation, education, healthcare delivery, and support for vulnerable groups such as orphans, widows and persons living with disabilities.

Daily Star Nigeria further gathered that the government used the opportunity to draw attention to the growing number of displaced persons affected by banditry, both within the state and in surrounding communities. Despite ongoing interventions by the state government, officials noted that many residents remain in urgent need of assistance.

The government therefore called on wealthy individuals and corporate bodies to complement its efforts by directing support towards initiatives that directly improve the welfare and living conditions of vulnerable residents across Sokoto State.