Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has assented to the 2025 Appropriation Bill, promising to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
Aliyu described the 2024 budget implementation as a success story, and reiterated his administration’s determination to continue to execute people-oriented projects already started.
In another development, the Sokoto State government took a significant step towards economic growth and development by approving the 2025 World Bank Business Enabling Action Plan.
The plan is an annual document that outlines the state’s 12-month business strategy, which is a requirement for the state to participate in the World Bank’s $750 million programme.
Meanwhile, Sokoto Professional Network (SPN) appealed to indigenes of the state from different fields to support the state government for rapid development of the state.
Chairman of SPN, Engineer Zayyanu Yabo, made the appeal at the network’s second Annual General Meeting, (AGM) held in Sokoto.
Elaborating on his government’s 2024/2025 budgets, Aliyu stated, “In the outgoing financial year, we succeeded in executing many developmental projects that had impacted positively on the lives of our people.
“We would, in sha Allah, sustain this invaluable gesture by delivering more dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of our people.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s support to the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality in the state.
The governor thanked the lawmakers for the speedy passage of the bill, stating that it has clearly demonstrated their unwavering commitment towards making the lives of their people better.
He thanked the people of the state for their fervent prayers and continued support for his administration.
Earlier, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bodinga, said the lawmakers had subjected the appropriation bill to thorough scrutiny to ensure it was line with the yearnings and aspirations of the electorate.
Bodinga commended the governor for the myriad dividends of democracy he had so far delivered across the state.
The speaker assured of the lawmakers’ support to the governor’s policies and programmes aimed at transforming the state.
Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the World Bank meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Alhaji Bello Danchadi, explained that the programme aimed to improve land administration, investment processes, and access to finance, as well as increase sustainable large-scale investments and resolve commercial disputes efficiently
Danchadi was accompanied by his colleagues, including Professor Jabir Maihulla (Ministry of Religious Affairs); Professor Attahiru Sifawa (Ministry of Science and Technology); and Alhaji Haruna Bashir (Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry).
Danchadi explained that with the state executive council’s approval, Sokoto State was now eligible to participate in the World Bank’s 2025 programme.
In addition to the World Bank programme, the Sokoto State Executive Council also approved several other projects.
The council approved the renovation and upgrading of nine Juma’at mosques across three senatorial districts in the state, with contracts awarded to various companies at a total cost of over N1.2 billion.
It approved the construction of pedestrian bridges along Airport Road and Shehu Shagari College of Education road, at a cost of N331.135 million, to improve safety and reduce accidents in the area.
SPN chairman, Yabo described the network as a coalition of professionals from Sokoto State working across various sectors, including science, technology, humanities, arts, and other public and private domains.
He highlighted the organisation’s objectives, which included promoting sustainable professionalism, supporting advocacy and capacity development, and implementing initiatives to enhance the skills and scholarship opportunities for Sokoto youths to drive state-wide development.
Reflecting on the network’s achievements over the past two years, Yabo stated significant milestones, including the training of 50 youths in solar installation and maintenance.
He said many of the beneficiaries were now gainfully employed or running their own businesses.
“Our network remains committed to supporting the development of Sokoto State and its people. The ultimate goal is to build a skilled and empowered population that contributes positively to societal growth,” Yabo stated.
Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo, commended the network for its initiatives. Goronyo emphasised that this year’s theme, “A Year of Consolidation and Progress,” aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which advocated strategic partnerships and collaborations as catalysts for economic growth.
“The efforts of SPN are commendable, and I applaud the leadership for organising such a significant gathering to consolidate its achievements and chart new paths for progress,” Goronyo said.
Onuminya Innocent
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