From Muhammad Gazali Garba.
Former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and Chairman of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Barrister Mukhtari Shagari, on Wednesday flagged off the construction of the 7.5-kilometre Dange–Fajaldu–Wababe Road in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, in a move that underscores Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s commitment to expanding rural infrastructure and accelerating socio-economic development across the state.
The road project, awarded at the cost of ₦5,330,954,918, is being executed by the state government in partnership with Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), a World Bank-supported initiative.When completed, the road is expected to improve rural accessibility, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, reduce transportation costs, stimulate commercial activities and improve access to schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the project as another milestone in his administration’s resolve to deliver people-oriented infrastructure that directly improves the lives of citizens. He said the construction and rehabilitation of roads remain central to his administration’s development agenda because of their critical role in promoting economic growth, reducing rural poverty, attracting investment and connecting communities to opportunities.
The governor explained that the Dange–Fajaldu–Wababe Road is among several strategic projects being executed through partnerships with development agencies, in addition to numerous township and rural roads funded directly by the Sokoto State Government. He noted that within the last three years, his administration has completed and commissioned several road projects across the state while many others are progressing steadily.
Governor Aliyu observed that Dange Shuni Local Government Area is predominantly agrarian, with farming and livestock production serving as the major sources of livelihood.
He said the new road would ease the transportation of farm produce to markets, reduce post-harvest losses, improve household incomes and open up the area for greater economic activities.
Aliyu stressed that investment in rural infrastructure remains one of the most effective ways of stimulating development at the grassroots, adding that communities with good road networks attract businesses, improve access to education and healthcare, and enjoy greater economic opportunities.
The governor described the collaboration between the Sokoto State Government, the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) as a demonstration of confidence in the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability and effective project implementation.
He appreciated the support of the development partners and assured that the project would receive close supervision to ensure strict compliance with approved standards.
Governor Aliyu also directed the contractor to deliver quality work within the stipulated timeframe, reiterating that his administration would not compromise on standards.
He reaffirmed his commitment to extending development projects to all parts of Sokoto State and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the Federal Government’s continued support for infrastructure development and other interventions benefiting the state.
In his remarks at the Occasion,Barrister Mukhtari Shagari commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for prioritising infrastructure development, particularly in rural communities.
He described the Dange–Fajaldu–Wababe Road project as a strategic investment that would improve connectivity, facilitate agricultural production and marketing, and transform the socio-economic fortunes of Dange, Fajaldu, Wababe and neighbouring communities.
Shagari said the commencement of the project was another clear demonstration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s determination to fulfil his campaign promises and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. He noted that the road would provide easier access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services while creating new opportunities for economic growth, investment and rural transformation.
He charged the contractor and the supervising consultant to execute the project strictly in accordance with the approved specifications and the terms of the contract. According to him, quality, professionalism and timely completion must remain the guiding principles throughout the execution of the project to ensure that it serves the people for generations.
Barrister Shagari also appealed to residents of Dange, Fajaldu, Wababe and neighbouring communities to cooperate fully with the contractor by providing a peaceful and enabling environment for the smooth execution of the project. He urged them to exercise patience over any temporary inconveniences during construction, assuring them that the short-term inconvenience would ultimately give way to lasting economic and social benefits.
The former Deputy Governor further applauded Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s vision, determination and commitment to the development of Sokoto State, saying the numerous projects executed across different parts of the state are evidence of purposeful and people-centred leadership. He thanked the governor for inviting him to perform the flag-off ceremony and wished him continued success in his efforts to transform the state.
Barrister Shagari also used the occasion to extol the leadership qualities of former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. He described the senator as a visionary leader, seasoned administrator and outstanding mentor whose contributions to the political and socio-economic development of Sokoto State remain remarkable.
According to him, Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s commitment to infrastructure development, prudent management of public resources and people-oriented governance reflects the sound leadership values and mentorship he received from Senator Wamakko.
In a goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto,Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the District Head of Kilgori, Dr. Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, commended the Sokoto State Government for its sustained investment in rural infrastructure. He described the road project as a timely intervention that would improve the socio-economic well-being of the benefiting communities and appealed to residents to support the contractor and protect the project for the benefit of present and future generations.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the State APC Leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko,the deputy governor ,Idris Muhd Gobir, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political stakeholders, representatives of development partners, party officials and hundreds of residents.
