PRESS RELEASE
FORMER COAS FLAGS OFF WAMAKKO–BUNKARI ROAD PROJECT, PRAISES ALIYU’S RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP
Former Chief of Army Staff, General Faruk Yahaya (Rtd.), on Saturday flagged off the construction of the 27-kilometre Wamakko–Bunkari Road in Sokoto State.
General Yahaya commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his foresight in initiating the project and for his unwavering dedication and commitment to executing meaningful projects that promote the overall development of the state.
“This initiative reflects responsive leadership and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people,” he said.
According to him, the Wamakko–Bunkari Road, upon completion, will open up opportunities for trade, agriculture, and social integration within the axis and surrounding communities.
“From a security perspective, which I understand deeply from my years of service, good road networks are critical for effective response and stability. This project, therefore, contributes not only to economic growth but also to strengthening security and governance in the region,” General Yahaya added.
He further commended Governor Aliyu for ensuring that road projects are accompanied by adequate drainage systems to prevent flooding and enhance the durability of the roads.
“We all thank and appreciate Your Excellency and urge you to continue implementing these laudable projects, which are well articulated in your Nine-Point Smart Agenda,” he said.
In his address, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the road project was initially awarded during the administration of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko when he served as Governor of Sokoto State. He noted that the project was later abandoned by the immediate past administration.
The Governor explained that the difficult terrain and topography of the area had left the road in a deplorable condition, with several sections becoming impassable, thereby affecting agricultural and commercial activities in the benefiting communities.
The project, jointly funded by the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), the Federal Government, and the Sokoto State Government, was awarded at the cost of N10,472,863,052.04.
Governor Aliyu expressed optimism that the road would improve access to markets, empower rural communities, and stimulate economic growth.
“It is a tangible manifestation of our commitment to the welfare and progress of every citizen.
“At this juncture, I wish to challenge everyone entrusted with the execution of this project—the contractor, engineers, planners, and the entire project team—to work diligently and ensure its timely and successful completion,” the Governor said.
He warned against any form of laxity on the part of the contractor, insisting that the project must be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Governor Aliyu also reassured the people of Sokoto State of his administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering more developmental projects across the length and breadth of the state.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Rural Roads, Malami Muhammad Galadanci, commended the Governor for the prompt payment of counterpart funds, which he said had facilitated the successful execution of over 1,000 kilometres of rural road projects across the state.
In his remarks, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for the numerous developmental projects being executed across the state.
Represented by the Baraden Wamakko, Ahmed Barade, the Sultan assured the Governor of the Sultanate Council’s continued support for government policies and programmes.
The Chairmen of Wamakko and Binji Local Government Areas, Umar Ahmed and Dikko Na Bunkari, respectively, thanked Governor Aliyu for awarding the road project, describing it as one with enormous socio-economic benefits for their communities.
