Ambassador Gada Flags Off N12.7bn Kware–Gidan Madi Road Project in Sokoto
From Muhammad Gazali Garba
The Sokoto State Government has flagged off the construction of the 36-kilometre Kware–Gidan Madi Road at a cost of N12.708 billion, with Governor Ahmed Aliyu saying the project will enhance rural connectivity and stimulate agricultural and economic activities in the benefiting communities.
The flag-off ceremony, held in Kware on Wednesday, marked another major infrastructure intervention by the state government aimed at opening up rural communities and improving access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.
The project is being executed under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) and is jointly financed by the World Bank and the Sokoto State Government.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Aliyu said the road was part of his administration’s commitment to improving rural infrastructure and accelerating socio-economic development across the state.
He said the project would comprise road construction, hydraulic structures, a 30mm asphaltic wearing course, surface-dressed shoulders and road furniture.
According to the governor, the road traverses communities in Kware and Tangaza Local Government Areas, providing a vital link for residents, farmers and businesses in the area.
Governor Aliyu described the project as “a road of hope” and “a road of economic prosperity”, stressing that its benefits would extend beyond the 36-kilometre stretch.
He said the road would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce to markets, improve access to schools and healthcare facilities, and ease transportation challenges confronting residents of the benefiting communities.
The governor noted that the area was predominantly agrarian, adding that improved road infrastructure would enable farmers to move their produce more efficiently, reduce transportation costs and minimise post-harvest losses.
He said road development had remained a major priority of his administration since assuming office, resulting in the construction and commissioning of several township, transit and rural roads across the state.
Among the completed projects, he listed the recently commissioned Garin Magaji–Gittarana Road in Silame Local Government Area, as well as the Dandamu–Tukatuku Road and Ungwar Maidaji–Kaurare–Gagariyaya–Gagardikko Road in Tambuwal Local Government Area.
He also cited the Wamakko–Bunkari and Kwakwalawa–Binji roads as part of the administration’s efforts to open up rural areas and create opportunities for economic growth.
Governor Aliyu charged the contractor and other stakeholders involved in the Kware–Gidan Madi project to ensure timely completion and strict adherence to approved specifications and quality standards.
He assured residents that his administration would sustain its development drive across the state, while appealing for continued prayers and support.
The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s infrastructure interventions in Sokoto State, particularly the Sokoto–Gusau and Illela–Badagry Coastal road projects.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Roads, Malami Muhammad Galadanchi, said the state government had, since 2022, surveyed, designed and awarded contracts for rural roads covering 1,365 kilometres across the state.
Galadanchi said several of the projects had been completed and commissioned, while others had reached completion and were awaiting formal commissioning.
He disclosed that Governor Aliyu had also directed the identification of an additional 130 kilometres of rural roads, which had been designed and handed over to contractors for execution.
The Special Guest at the ceremony, Ambassador Gada, commended Governor Aliyu for what he described as purposeful leadership and the transformation recorded across the state.
Gada said the governor had justified the confidence reposed in him by APC political leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who encouraged him to seek the governorship.
“We are indeed very proud of you. Please keep it up, for the sky will be your starting point,” he said.
He stressed that good road infrastructure was critical to rural development, noting that it would reduce transportation costs, minimise post-harvest losses, improve farmers’ incomes and enhance access to markets and social services.
Gada urged the contractor to adhere strictly to the approved specifications, quality standards and completion schedule, while calling on residents of the benefiting communities to support the project and cooperate with the contractor.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kware Local Government Area, Alhaji. Ibrahim Attahiru, commended Governor Aliyu for initiating the project, saying it would improve transportation, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and stimulate economic activities in the area.
The Sultan of Sokoto, represented by Sarkin Yakin Binji expressed support for the governor’s development initiatives and urged the people to intensify prayers for the success of the administration.
According to him,the Sultan was pleased with the government’s interventions targeting ordinary citizens, particularly women, youths, vulnerable groups and other less-privileged members of society.
