From Muhammad Gazali Garba
Former Chief of Army Staff, General Faruk Yahaya, Rtd., on Saturday flagged off the construction of the 23-kilometre Wamakko–Bunkari Road in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State, describing the project as a major investment in rural development, economic growth, and security.
The project, valued at ₦10,472,363,052, is being executed through a partnership between the Sokoto State Government and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, RAAMP.
The 23-kilometre road links the communities of Boyenlaka, Huci, Danken, Lagau, Diddiba, and Bunkari. It is expected to improve transportation, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, boost commercial activities, and provide easier access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Ahmad Aliyu said the project underscores his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, rural prosperity, and agricultural transformation.
He said that since assuming office, his administration has attached the highest priority to infrastructure development, particularly road construction, resulting in the successful construction and commissioning of numerous township and rural roads across the state to improve transportation, stimulate economic activities, and enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people.
The governor recalled that the Wamakko–Bunkari Road was originally initiated and awarded during the administration of former Governor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, but received little attention under the succeeding administration.
According to him, the difficult terrain and prolonged neglect left many sections of the road in a deplorable condition, with several stretches becoming virtually impassable, thereby affecting agricultural production, commercial activities, and the livelihoods of communities along the corridor.
Governor Aliyu said the collaboration between the Federal Government, the World Bank, RAAMP, and the Sokoto State Government had made the reconstruction of the road possible, describing the partnership as a demonstration of confidence in his administration’s commitment to delivering projects that directly impact the lives of the people.
He described the project as more than just a road, saying it is a strategic investment in the future of Sokoto State that will improve access to markets, reduce transportation costs, strengthen agricultural productivity, connect rural communities, and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the benefiting areas.
The governor expressed appreciation to the World Bank and RAAMP for supporting the project and directed the contractor, consultants, and supervising engineers to ensure strict compliance with project specifications and timely completion.
He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for infrastructure development and rural transformation across the country.
In his remarks, General Yahaya expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmad Aliyu for inviting him to perform the foundation-laying ceremony and commended the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and the delivery of democratic dividends.
He noted that the governor’s investments in road construction, education, healthcare, agriculture, and water supply had significantly improved the living conditions of the people of Sokoto State.
The retired Army Chief described the Wamakko–Bunkari Road as a strategic infrastructure project capable of boosting agricultural production, facilitating trade, and strengthening the rural economy.
He also highlighted the security importance of quality road infrastructure, noting that good roads enhance security operations, improve emergency response, and facilitate the rapid deployment of security personnel during emergencies.
General Yahaya urged the contractor to execute the project in accordance with approved specifications and complete it within the stipulated timeframe, while calling on residents of the benefiting communities to protect and safeguard the road upon completion.
Earlier, the Chairman of Wamakko Local Government, Alhaji Umar Ahmad, commended the state government for its sustained commitment to the development of the area, describing the project as another milestone in the administration’s efforts to improve rural infrastructure.
Also speaking, the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto and Baraden Wamakko, Alhaji Ahmed Barade, praised the initiative, saying it would improve transportation, stimulate agricultural and commercial activities, and enhance the socio-economic well-being of residents. He urged communities to support the project and prayed for its successful completion.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Roads, Hon. Malami Muhammad Galadanci, disclosed that the state government is currently executing over 1,000 kilometres of rural roads across Sokoto State, with many projects already completed while others are at various stages of execution.
He said the massive investment in rural road infrastructure had improved access to remote communities, enhanced agricultural productivity, and expanded economic opportunities across the state.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; Member representing Wamakko and Kware Federal Constituency, Hon. Ahmed Kalambaina; Member representing Bodinga, Dange Shuni and Tureta Federal Constituency, Alhaji Nasiru Shehu; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Sifawa; commissioners, special advisers, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, political leaders, community representatives, and residents of the benefiting communities.
