Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday commissioned several key projects executed by the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Illela Local Council of Sokoto State.
In a statement signed by the Director General, Media and Publicity Government House, Abubakar Bawa, the projects included 100-housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs), Climate Peace Hubs, a 50-kilowatt solar mini-grid, and the foundation-laying ceremony for the construction of the Illela International Market.
Zulum Praises Projects
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Zulum said the projects would go a long way in improving the lives of internally displaced persons and enhancing economic activities in the area. He expressed optimism that the housing scheme would provide a fresh start for displaced families, while the Climate Peace Hubs and solar mini-grid would improve access to essential services and promote sustainable development in Sokoto State.
On the Illela International Market, Zulum said the project would stimulate commerce, create jobs, and promote shared prosperity for generations to come. He lauded Aliyu for transforming Sokoto State within three years and endorsed him for a second term in office.
“The governor has performed beyond our expectations. In fact, he is one of the best-performing governors in the country,” Zulum said. “To be sincere and candid, immediately after his election, we did not expect that the governor would perform to this level.”
“I want to announce to the general public and the people of Sokoto State that indeed, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu is one of the performing governors in Nigeria,” he added.
He added that Aliyu had exceeded expectations and therefore deserved a second term. “I am optimistic that if you re-elect Aliyu for a second term, he will perform even better than he has done so far,” he added.
Zulum also commended Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for his contributions to national development and his effective representation at the National Assembly.
Aliyu Announces Start-up Capital
Also speaking, Aliyu announced a donation of ₦500,000 to each occupant of the 100 IDP housing units as start-up capital. He explained that the decision to construct the houses in Illela was informed by the devastating floods that affected the area over the past two years, leading to the displacement of many residents.
According to him, the houses are meant to provide a safer, more conducive, and more habitable environment for the displaced persons to rebuild their lives. Governor Aliyu noted that the Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), initiated the construction of the housing units to address the challenges faced by displaced communities.
“Similarly, arrangements have been concluded for the construction of additional housing units for IDPs in other parts of the state, particularly in areas affected by banditry, in order to provide relief and restore hope to those who have been displaced,” he said.
The governor added that the initiative was one of many interventions undertaken by his administration to support persons forced out of their ancestral homes by insecurity and natural disasters. “Over the past three years, we have consistently provided food items, clothing materials, building materials, and cash assistance to improve their living conditions and restore their dignity,” he said.
Aliyu assured the people of the state of his administration’s continued commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of Sokoto State. He thanked the UNDP and the German Government for their support towards actualizing the project.
Sultan Commends Governor
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the Baraden Wamakko, Alhaji Ahmed Barade, commended Governor Aliyu for his foresight in establishing the housing scheme and assured him of the Sultanate Council’s support at all times.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Asabe Balarabe; German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Annette Günther; the Resident Representative of the UNDP, Ms. Elsie Attafuah; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu.
The event was witnessed by the State APC leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; Senator MT Munguno; Deputy Governor Idris Muhammed Gobir; Minister for State Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo; Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga; Deputy Speaker Kabir Ibrahim Kware; Members of the National and State Assemblies; Secretary to the State Government Muhammad Bello Sifawa; Chief of Staff Government House Sokoto, Aminu Haliru Dikko mni; Head of Service Abdulkadir Ahmed; commissioners; special advisers; senior special assistants; and other top government functionaries.
