The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has declared that the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda hinges significantly on the active involvement of the nation's professional class. He made this assertion while delivering the opening address at the third Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN) in Sokoto.
Professionals as Catalysts for National Development
Goronyo emphasized that Nigeria's developmental journey has historically relied on the capacity of skilled individuals to convert theoretical knowledge into practical, workable solutions. He stressed that the transformation of personal achievements into broad, collective national progress is a primary function of the professional community.
The minister described professional networks like the SPN as indispensable platforms for mentorship, constructive policy dialogue, and making tangible contributions to societal advancement. He noted that the current administration is deeply committed to enhancing the quality, accessibility, and durability of infrastructure nationwide, while simultaneously fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and local expertise in project execution.
"The government alone cannot achieve these objectives without the support and expertise of organised professionals," Goronyo stated, underscoring the necessity of partnership between the public sector and professional bodies.
Expanding Horizons and Strengthening Bonds
The AGM was convened under the theme "Expanding Horizons, Strengthening Bonds," which the Minister praised as highly relevant to the nation's contemporary needs. He elaborated that 'expanding horizons' relates directly to growth in knowledge, innovation, and global competitiveness.
Conversely, 'strengthening bonds' highlights the critical importance of unity, collaborative efforts, and shared responsibility for national development. "In today's interconnected world, progress is no longer driven by isolated efforts but by strong networks built on trust, professionalism and a common vision," he remarked.
Goronyo charged the network's members to actively work on bridging crucial gaps: between experienced professionals and young graduates, between those residing in Nigeria and those in the diaspora, and between the private sector and government institutions.
SPN's Role in Unifying Sokoto's Professionals
Earlier in the event, the Chairman of the SPN Board of Trustees, Engineer Zayyanu Tambari Yabo, highlighted that the 3rd AGM reinforced the network's position as a unifying force for professionals originating from Sokoto State.
He outlined that the SPN has consistently executed programmes focused on improving members' livelihoods through:
- Skills acquisition and enhancement
- Knowledge development
- Empowerment initiatives
- Promoting self-discipline and self-discovery
Yabo added that a special focus has been placed on mentoring and orienting young professionals to ensure meaningful career growth and long-term advancement.
In her report, the Network's Secretary, Barrister Zainab Bello Aliyu, detailed key activities undertaken in the past year. These included career guidance talks for students in selected schools, vocational training programmes, and strategic engagement with the Sokoto State government.
The event, held on 3 January 2026, served as a significant forum for aligning professional expertise with the national development goals encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
