From Muhammad Gazali Garba.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has commissioned two major infrastructure projects executed by the Sokoto State Government in Silame Local Government Area, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to opening up rural communities and strengthening economic activities across the state.
The projects, comprising the N2.4 billion Silame Bridge and the 9.4-kilometre Garin Magaji-Gittarana rural road, have a combined value of N5.6 billion.
Sule was in Sokoto at the invitation of his counterpart, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Aliyu administration.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Sule commended the Sokoto State Government for prioritising rural infrastructure, describing roads and bridges as critical to the socio-economic development of communities.
He said the projects would ease the movement of people and agricultural produce, improve access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities, stimulate commercial activities, create employment opportunities and ultimately raise the living standards of residents.
According to him, the projects were particularly significant to Silame, where farming and livestock production constitute major sources of livelihood.
“I can see smiles on the faces of all the good people who are here, as well as all the beneficiaries. I am also aware of the numerous township and rural roads that you have executed,” Sule said.
He commended Governor Aliyu for what he described as remarkable investments in road infrastructure across Sokoto State, urging the administration to sustain the tempo of development.
Sule also called for stronger collaboration among governors in the northern states to develop common strategies for addressing the region’s infrastructure and socio-economic challenges.
He appealed to residents to protect the newly commissioned facilities, stressing that public infrastructure belongs to the people and should be preserved for future generations.
“Government projects should no longer be regarded as nobody’s property. Let us all develop the culture of protecting public infrastructure because it is meant for our common good,” he said.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the commissioning as another significant milestone in his administration’s determination to provide infrastructure capable of improving the living conditions and economic prospects of people at the grassroots.
Aliyu said the Silame Bridge fulfilled a campaign promise to the people of the area, explaining that the project comprised two six-cell box culverts, a retaining wall and asphalt overlay from Silame Police Station to Silame Bridge.
He said the bridge was strategically important to residents of Silame, Wamakko, Bodinga and Kware local government areas because of the agricultural and commercial activities taking place in the area.
According to him, the infrastructure would enhance connectivity between Sokoto and Kebbi states while complementing the ongoing Illela-Badagry Superhighway being undertaken by the Federal Government.
On the 9.4-kilometre Garin Magaji-Gittarana road, Aliyu said the project was executed in partnership with the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
He said the road would improve access to markets for farmers, facilitate the movement of students and patients to schools and health facilities, and connect businesses in the communities to wider markets.
The governor added that the road would also facilitate the evacuation of agricultural produce, reduce travel time, improve road safety and stimulate commercial activities within the area.
Gov Aliyu listed other rural roads executed by his administration to include Buzallega, Lukuwa, Yar Gaga-Malakawa Shellar, Kakatuku-Dandamu and Unguwar Midaji-Kaurare-Gwagwar Yaya-Gwagwar Dikko, as well as Gande-Mali-Gwahitto-Fakko.
He said several other road projects had also been awarded, with some completed and commissioned while others were at various stages of construction.
The governor commended the Ministry of Works, contractors and other stakeholders for their commitment and professionalism in the execution of the projects.
He also appreciated residents and community leaders in Silame for their patience and cooperation during construction, urging them to take ownership of the infrastructure.
Aliyu warned road users and residents against damaging public facilities, stressing that the projects were funded with taxpayers’ money and must be protected for the benefit of present and future generations.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating what he described as a conducive environment for state governments to implement development projects, noting that improved allocations and revenue had strengthened the financial capacity of states.
Aliyu urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Federal Government’s efforts towards sustainable economic growth and national development, saying the impact of the ongoing reforms was increasingly being felt.
Also speaking, the state Deputy Governor and Supervising Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Engineer Idris Muhammad Gobir, said the projects reflected the administration’s commitment to providing infrastructure that would boost socio-economic development, improve connectivity and create opportunities for residents.
Gobir thanked Nasarawa State Governor, Dr Abdullahi A. Sule, for honouring the invitation despite his official engagements, assuring residents that the ministry would continue to ensure quality execution and value for public resources in road projects.
