Gov. Aliyu: A unique reformer in public governance
By Hafsat Abubakar
Press Secretary to Sokoto State Governent, Abubakar Bawa, in a press release on Saturday said Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration had so far constructed and commissioned over 80 different township roads within Sokoto metropolis alone. He said
Governor Aliyu stated this at the flagoff of the 1,068km Illela-Badagry road project awarded by Federal Government. Also additional 41 township roads were currently under construction in Sokoto North and South local government areas.
“We are also planning to construct more township roads across Sokoto metropolis so that by the time we leave office, the city would have enjoyed pothole-free roads,” he quoted the governor.
I am moved to write this piece because when Gov. Aliyu, took over the affairs of the state, all the major township roads were in a state of disrepair, begging for attention.
The same thing also applied to all our major roundabouts which were full of potholes, making them very unmotorable to road users.
All these have now become history as road users now enjoy smooth drive in every nook and cranny of the city, making life easy for market women and rural population.
On rural roads, a number of inter-local government and rural roads had been completed by the current APC-led administration being driven by Gov Aliyu, while others are at various stages of completion.
The projects are meant to open up remote areas and also provide them access to urban areas especially during harvest time.
Sokoto State, being an agrarian community, deserves better roads especially in the rural areas where cash and food crops are cultivated all-year round.
By building these rural roads, the government is also paving way for Sokoto farmers to easily move their farm produce to the markets, and this measure really benefit market women.
We are please to learn that Gov. Aliyu awarded contracts for inter-local governments and rural roads covering 168.88 kilometres asphalt and another 187 kilometres of feeder roads across the state, most of which had been completed, while others are at various stages of completion.
All these are part of deliberate efforts to connect the various local governments through roads network for enhanced economic and agricultural activities for the rural populace.
The governor has reassured the people of the state of more road projects and other developmental projects from his administration, so we in Sokoto are solidly behind him and support him at all times.
I am writing this piece to register my pleasure for Gov. Aliyu’s government because in the recent years, the landscape of governance in Nigeria was marked by a quest for leadership that prioritizes development, transparency, and the welfare of citizens. Among the numerous governors in the northern region, Gov. Aliyu of Sokoto State stands out as a beacon of effective governance. His administration’s focus on infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and social welfare programmes positions him as one of the best performing governors in northern Nigeria.
Infrastructure is a critical aspect driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens. Gov. Aliyu has initiated and completed numerous infrastructure projects across Sokoto State. His administration has made significant strides in roads and public transportation systems, enhancing connectivity within the state and facilitating trade and commerce.
These developments not only stimulate the local economy but also connect rural communities to urban centres, improving access to commercial activities and services.
Education is the vehicle of transformation of any progressive society, and Gov. Aliyu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing educational quality and accessibility. His administration has implemented reforms aimed at increasing enrollment rates, improving school infrastructure, and providing necessary learning materials.
Scholarships and incentive programmes for teachers have resulted in improved educational outcomes, making Sokoto a model for educational policy in the North. By prioritizing education, Gov. Aliyu is investing in the future of the state’s youth and ensuring a more educated workforce.
Access to quality healthcare is essential for the wellbeing of any society. Gov. Aliyu has prioritized healthcare reforms, resulting in the establishment of new health facilities and the renovation of existing ones. His administration’s focus on maternal and child health, vaccination campaigns, and disease prevention initiatives has improved health indicators in Sokoto State.
Collaborative efforts with international organizations and NGOs have further strengthened the health sector, demonstrating his dedication to ensuring that citizens have access to quality healthcare services.
The hallmark of Gov. Aliyu’s governance has been his commitment to social welfare aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the livelihoods of the most vulnerable people. His administration has implemented initiatives such as microfinance programmes for women, agricultural support for farmers, and skills acquisition programmes for youth.
These programs empower communities, stimulate economic activity, and create a more equitable and just society. By directly addressing the needs of disadvantaged groups, Gov. Aliyu has fostered social cohesion and improved the overall quality of life in Sokoto State.
Good governance is characterized by transparency and accountability, and Gov. Aliyu has embraced these principles wholeheartedly. His administration has taken steps to ensure that public funds are managed prudently and that projects are executed transparently, and at the right time.
The establishment of oversight committees and the regular publication of budgetary reports have built public trust for Gov Aliyu’s administration. This commitment to accountability differentiates his administration and sets a benchmark for others in the region to follow.
Gov. Aliyu’s style of governance has proven to be effective in addressing the pressing needs of Sokoto State. His multi-faceted reforms in infrastructure, education, healthcare, social welfare, and accountability has resulted in tangible improvements in the lives of Sokoto residents.
Gov. Aliyu serves as an exemplary model of what visionary governance should be.
His commitment to sustainable development and social progress positions him as not only a regional leader but one of the best performing governors the North has seen.
Hajiya Hafsat Abubakar, a social mobilizer, writes from Central Business District, Abuja, FCT