The Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State and former Governor of the state, Senator Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has flagged off the construction of the 35.7-kilometre Gidanmadi–Binji–Gande Road Project, valued at ₦11,836,593,885.14, describing it as another milestone in the ongoing transformation of Sokoto State under the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.
The project, which is being executed through a partnership between the Sokoto State Government and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), forms part of activities marking the third anniversary of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Ahmed Aliyu expressed delight over the commencement of the strategic road project and warmly welcomed Senator Wamakko, thanking him for honouring the invitation to perform the flag-off ceremony.
The Governor explained that the project is being financed under RAAMP, a joint initiative of the World Bank and the Sokoto State Government.
He disclosed that the 35.7-kilometre road traverses Gidanmadi, Tatali, Binji, Miyuki, Bunkidi, Gidan Magaji and Gande, cutting across Tangaza, Binji and Silame Local Government Areas.
According to him, the project includes the construction of hydraulic structures, a 30-millimetre asphaltic wearing course, surface dressing, road shoulders and road furniture to ensure durability, safety and improved accessibility.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu noted that the road is one of several strategic infrastructure projects being implemented through partnerships with development partners to complement the numerous township and rural road projects currently under construction across the state.
He recalled that since assuming office, his administration has completed and commissioned several township and rural roads in Silame, Binji, Gada, Wurno, Kware, Tambuwal, Wamakko, Dange-Shuni and Rabah, among other local government areas, to improve transportation, facilitate commerce and enhance access to essential social services.
The Governor observed that the benefiting communities are predominantly agrarian and stressed that the road would enable farmers to transport their produce to markets more easily, reduce post-harvest losses and improve access to healthcare, education and other essential services.
He charged the contractor, supervising engineers, consultants and the entire project team to adhere strictly to the approved specifications and complete the project within the stipulated timeframe, emphasizing that quality and timely delivery remain paramount.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing people-oriented projects across every part of the state and appealed to the people to continue supporting and praying for the government as it sustains its development agenda.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to Sokoto State through the execution of major Federal Government infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto–Gusau Road and the Badagry–Sokoto Super Highway.
In his remarks, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko thanked Almighty Allah for witnessing another important milestone in the development of Sokoto State and commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for inviting him to perform the flag-off ceremony.
He praised the Governor’s commitment to executing people-centred projects across key sectors, including road infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply and security, noting that the administration has consistently demonstrated that the welfare of the people remains at the centre of its policies and programmes.
The former Governor stated that Governor Ahmed Aliyu had justified the confidence reposed in him, recalling that some critics had questioned his capacity because of his age before assuming office.
“Today, Alhamdulillah, you have silenced those critics through your outstanding performance. Within just three years, you have demonstrated exceptional leadership, and I remain proud of your achievements.
I am confident that even greater accomplishments lie ahead, In Sha Allah.”
Senator Wamakko said the Gidanmadi–Binji–Gande Road Project would open up rural communities, facilitate the movement of people and agricultural produce, stimulate commercial activities and improve the socio-economic well-being of residents across the benefiting communities.
He also commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s social intervention programmes, particularly the distribution of over 200 truckloads of food items and more than 200 trailer loads of fertiliser, describing the initiatives as unprecedented and highly beneficial to the people.
The APC leader further applauded the Governor’s commitment to promoting Islam through the construction and renovation of mosques, as well as his prudent management of the state’s finances, noting that despite executing numerous capital projects, the administration had avoided unnecessary borrowing.
He also conveyed the goodwill of members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, who commended the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, describing the harmony as essential for sustainable development.
While appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for improving the financial capacity of states through his economic reforms, Senator Wamakko urged the contractor to execute the project according to specification and complete it within schedule, assuring Governor Ahmed Aliyu of his continued support and prayers.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Roads, Malami Galadanci, described the Gidanmadi–Binji–Gande Road Project as one of the landmark rural infrastructure initiatives of the Ahmed Aliyu administration.
He said the project underscores the Governor’s unwavering commitment to opening up rural communities, improving agricultural productivity and accelerating socio-economic development across Sokoto State.
Malami Galadanci commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for giving priority to rural road development and appreciated RAAMP, the World Bank and other development partners for their continued support.
He assured the people that the project would be closely monitored to ensure strict compliance with approved specifications, timely completion and the delivery of a durable road that would stand the test of time.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, the District Head of Binji, Alhaji Usman Dan Sarki, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for approving the construction of the 35.7-kilometre Gidanmadi–Binji–Gande Road.
He described the project as a life-changing intervention that would ease transportation, boost agricultural production, facilitate trade and improve access to healthcare, education and other essential services for thousands of residents across Tangaza, Binji and Silame Local Government Areas.
The traditional ruler also commended Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for his unwavering support, mentorship and commitment to the development of Sokoto State.
He assured the state government that the people of the benefiting communities would cooperate fully with the contractor and safeguard the project to ensure its successful completion for the benefit of present and future generations.
The ceremony climaxed with the official reception of hundreds of defectors from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Gudu Local Government Area into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors pledged their loyalty to the APC and expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu and Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, citing the administration’s developmental achievements and people-oriented programmes as the reasons for their decision.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by members of the National and State Assemblies, commissioners, special advisers, heads of government agencies, traditional rulers, political leaders, development partners, community representatives and residents from Tangaza, Binji and Silame Local Government Areas, all of whom applauded the Ahmed Aliyu administration’s sustained investment in road infrastructure aimed at improving rural connectivity, stimulating economic growth and enhancing the living standards of the people of Sokoto State.
From Muhammad Gazali Garba
