By Muhammad Gazali Garba
Former deputy governor of Zamfara State,Senator Hassan Muhammad Nasiha Gusau has flagged off the construction of the ₦16.8 billion, 41.27-kilometre University Gate–Kwalkwalawa–Inname–Binji Road in Sokoto State, a major rural infrastructure project initiated by the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu to improve connectivity, boost agricultural activities and stimulate economic development in the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the project was being implemented through a partnership involving the Sokoto State Government, the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), SCALE-UP and the World Bank.
He said the partnership reflected his administration’s commitment to expanding rural infrastructure, opening up communities and creating an enabling environment for agricultural and economic activities to thrive across the state.
According to him the road, which traverses parts of Wamakko and Binji Local Government Areas, is expected to connect several communities along the corridor and improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services, while facilitating the movement of agricultural produce.
He said the project was part of his administration’s sustained commitment to infrastructure development, particularly the construction and rehabilitation of township and rural roads across Sokoto State.
According to the governor, the project comprises road works, hydraulic structures, asphaltic wearing course, surface dressing, culverts and road furniture.
Governor Aliyu explained that the project area was predominantly agrarian, with many residents engaged in farming and other agricultural activities.
He said the completion of the road would make it easier for farmers to transport their produce to markets, reduce transportation difficulties, improve mobility and enhance access to essential social services.
“Though the University Gate–Inname–Binji Road may appear modest, its significance and socio-economic implications are immense. It is a road of hope, a road of economic prosperity and a road that connects communities with opportunities,” Governor Aliyu said.
He noted that his administration had continued to prioritise road projects as part of efforts to open up rural communities, facilitate economic activities and connect residents to markets and social services.
The governor listed some of the roads already commissioned or under construction to include the Dandume–Kurro Road, Zauro–Wurno–Daji Road, Kaura Road, Gongoreya Road, Goringwa Road, Wamakko–Bunkure Road and Zengewa–Dari Road.
Governor Aliyu commended the contractor, engineers, consultants, planners and other professionals involved in the University Gate–Kwalkwalawa–Inname–Binji Road project, urging them to execute the work according to specifications and complete it within the stipulated timeframe.
He also appealed to the benefiting communities to cooperate with the contractor, consultants and project implementation team to facilitate the smooth and successful completion of the project.
The governor assured the people of Sokoto State that his administration would continue to implement development projects aimed at improving infrastructure, opening up rural communities and enhancing the quality of life of residents.
Governor Aliyu further acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for infrastructure development in Sokoto State, particularly federal projects such as the Sokoto–Gusau and Illela–Badagry corridors.
In his remarks while flagging off the road construction,Senator Hassan Muhammad Nasiha commended the Federal Government, the Sokoto State Government and development partners for their commitment to infrastructure development, agricultural production and poverty reduction.
He described the road project as an important intervention that would contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the benefiting communities.
Nasiha urged the contractor to execute the project in accordance with the approved specifications, within the agreed timeframe and to the required quality standards.
He also appealed to the benefiting communities to support the project, cooperate with the contractor and protect the infrastructure upon completion.
The senator pledged his support for the successful implementation of the project and urged the people of Sokoto State to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and development of their communities.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto at the ceremony, the District Head of Gwadabawa, Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Zayyana, commended the Sokoto State Government, RAAMP, the World Bank and other development partners for initiating the project.
Zayyana described the road as an important development intervention for the benefiting communities, noting that improved rural connectivity would enhance agricultural production, facilitate the movement of people and goods and strengthen access to essential services.
He urged the contractor and other stakeholders to ensure that the project was executed to the required standards and completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of RAAMP, Engineer Malami Umar Tambuwal, described the project as another important milestone in the state’s efforts to improve rural infrastructure and enhance the socio-economic well-being of its people.
Tambuwal said the road was more than a transportation corridor, describing it as an investment in the future of the benefiting communities.
He said the project would reduce travel time and transportation costs while improving access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.
According to him, improved road access would boost agricultural productivity by enabling farmers to transport their produce more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses and encourage increased economic activities along the corridor.
The RAAMP coordinator added that the project would create employment opportunities during construction and contribute to poverty reduction in the benefiting communities.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the World Bank for their continued partnership and support towards the implementation of RAAMP projects in Sokoto State.
Tambuwal appealed to the beneficiary communities to take ownership of the project by cooperating fully with the contractor, consultants and project implementation team to ensure its timely and successful completion.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Sokoto State Road Implementation Unit to transparency, accountability and quality service delivery, stressing that projects entrusted to the unit would be implemented to deliver maximum value to the people of the state.
@topfans Sokoto.Media Sirajo Bello Hungumawa Kabeer Aminu
