Gov Ahmed Aliyu: The bridge-builder leading Sokoto to renewed greatness
By Lawal Jet Kaugama
When leadership becomes a calling rather than a career, the results are usually self-evident. In Sokoto State today, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto stands as a sterling example of what happens when vision, humility, and collaboration meet in the service of the people. His recent commissioning of the five-road network and the remodeled Usman bin Affan Jumu’at Mosque, both inaugurated by Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, offers a compelling portrait of a leader who not only builds physical infrastructure but also bridges of unity, mutual respect, and shared purpose among the state’s political and traditional elites.
The press statement signed by Abubakar Bawa, the Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, on October 31, 2025, captured not just a developmental milestone, but the growing harmony and cooperative spirit in Sokoto’s political landscape. This cordiality between Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and former Governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, is not accidental, it is the product of deliberate humility, inclusiveness, and statesmanship.
Gov Aliyu’s political rise is a study in discipline and loyalty. As a man who cut his teeth under the tutelage of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, he has remained true to the ideals of service before self. His leadership style bears the hallmark of quiet but effective administration, one that prioritises results over rhetoric. From township roads to education, healthcare, and religious infrastructure, his government has touched lives in practical ways, especially in areas long neglected by previous administrations.
The commissioning of the Mabera road network is a case in point. Once a neglected suburb, Mabera now enjoys modern road connectivity, solar-powered streetlights, and improved access for both residents and commercial users. This singular project has transformed a once-forgotten community into a vibrant urban hub, easing the movement of people and goods, and thereby stimulating economic activity. Such interventions may appear routine on the surface, but in the larger context of governance, they represent the heart of what good leadership truly means: impactful, people-centred, and sustainable development.
Senator Yari’s presence at the commissioning was both symbolic and significant. It demonstrated the mutual respect and shared commitment that binds the two leaders. Yari’s commendation of Aliyu’s “transformative initiatives” underscores how genuine leadership transcends state boundaries. It reflects an alignment of vision among leaders who understand that governance is not about personal glory but collective progress.
Equally instructive is Gov Aliyu’s relationship with the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. In many climes, political and traditional institutions often clash over influence, but in Sokoto, harmony prevails. The Sultan’s consistent praise for the governor’s developmental strides, including the renovation of Jumu’at mosques across the state, is a testament to the governor’s respect for the moral and cultural foundations of the Caliphate. Aliyu has not only upheld Sokoto’s proud Islamic heritage but also integrated it into his governance model, ensuring that the spiritual and social wellbeing of his people remain interwoven.
Former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa’s cordial rapport with Aliyu further amplifies this narrative of unity. In a political space where rivalry often trumps reason, Bafarawa’s open admiration for the governor’s inclusive leadership is refreshing. It signals a new era in Sokoto’s politics, an era where collaboration replaces confrontation, and progress replaces petty politicking. Gov Aliyu’s ability to foster these relationships without compromising his own authority is the mark of a true statesman.
One of the hallmarks of great leadership is the ability to balance continuity with innovation. Gov Aliyu has masterfully continued the legacy of infrastructural expansion begun by his predecessors while adding his own visionary touch. His insistence that Mabera residents must take ownership of their new infrastructure shows his emphasis on civic responsibility and sustainability. He understands that governance is not just about delivering projects but about nurturing a people who value and protect them.
Moreover, the governor’s appreciation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms during his speech at the event reflects his grasp of governance beyond state borders. It situates Sokoto within the national framework of renewal, signaling a leader who thinks globally but acts locally. His words of gratitude to the President, the Sultan, and the people of Sokoto for their prayers and support reflect not just courtesy, but political maturity, a key quality that sets Aliyu apart from many of his contemporaries.
The newly remodeled Usman bin Affan Jumu’at Mosque at Gawon Nama also speaks volumes of his commitment to faith and community. In Islam, building and renovating mosques is one of the most enduring acts of service. By restoring this place of worship, Aliyu has reinforced Sokoto’s religious identity while improving the comfort of worshippers. The Sultan’s commendation of this gesture and the Chief Imam’s leading of the inaugural prayer signify divine approval of a leader walking in the light of faith and service.
It is also worth commending Abubakar Bawa, whose consistent, clear, and professional communication as Director General, Media and Publicity, has given the Aliyu administration a positive image of transparency and credibility. His skillful presentation of the governor’s projects to the public has helped amplify the state’s achievements and fostered public trust in government communications, a vital aspect of modern governance.
In a political season often marked by division and rancour, Sokoto stands out as a beacon of unity and steady progress under Gov Aliyu. His inclusive style, respect for elders, and humility in service have turned the state into a model of cooperative governance. With the support of leaders like Yari, Wamakko, Bafarawa, and the spiritual guidance of the Sultan, Sokoto is indeed on a sure path to renewed greatness.
Lawal Jet Kaugama, a commentator on national issues, writes from Kano