Wamakko Flags Off N11.84bn Gidanmadi–Binji–Gande Road Project In Sokoto
SOKOTO – Former Sokoto State Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has flagged off the construction of the 35.7-kilometre Gidanmadi–Binji–Gande Road Project valued at N11.84 billion.
The project, financed through a partnership between the Sokoto State Government and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), is part of activities marking the third anniversary of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the road project, jointly funded by the World Bank and the Sokoto State Government under RAAMP, will link Gidanmadi, Tatali, Binji, Miyuki, Bunkidi, Gidan Magaji and Gande communities across Tangaza, Binji and Silame Local Government Areas.
He said the project includes the construction of hydraulic structures, a 30-millimetre asphaltic wearing course, surface dressing, road shoulders and road furniture to ensure durability, safety and improved accessibility.
According to the governor, the road is one of several infrastructure projects aimed at improving rural connectivity, boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing access to healthcare, education and other essential services.
Aliyu noted that his administration has completed and commissioned several township and rural roads across different parts of the state, adding that the new project would ease the transportation of farm produce, reduce post-harvest losses and stimulate economic activities.
He urged the contractor and project consultants to adhere strictly to approved specifications and complete the project within schedule, stressing that quality and timely delivery remain priorities.
The governor also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting infrastructure development in Sokoto State through ongoing federal projects, including the Sokoto–Gusau Road and the Badagry–Sokoto Super Highway.
In his remarks, Senator Wamakko commended Governor Aliyu for what he described as people-oriented projects in road infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply and security.
He said the governor had demonstrated effective leadership within three years in office despite initial doubts about his capacity, adding that the administration’s achievements had justified the confidence reposed in it.
Wamakko expressed confidence that the road project would improve rural connectivity, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, promote commerce and enhance the socio-economic well-being of residents in the benefiting communities.
He also praised the state government’s social intervention programmes, including the distribution of food items and fertilisers, as well as its fiscal discipline, noting that major capital projects had been executed without unnecessary borrowing.
The senator further urged the contractor to deliver the project according to specifications and within the agreed timeline.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Roads, Malami Galadanci, described the road as one of the landmark rural infrastructure projects of the administration, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to opening up rural communities and accelerating socio-economic development.
He assured residents that the project would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with approved standards and timely completion.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, the District Head of Binji, Alhaji Usman Dan Sarki, described the project as a major intervention that would improve transportation, agriculture, trade and access to social services across the affected communities.
The event also featured the reception of hundreds of defectors from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC in Gudu Local Government Area. The defectors cited the developmental achievements of the Ahmed Aliyu administration as the reason for joining the ruling party.
