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Tag: Ahmed Aliyu

  • Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Aliyu lays wreath, flags off distribution of food items to 500 widows

    Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Aliyu lays wreath, flags off distribution of food items to 500 widows

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has joined other dignitaries in the state to observe the symbolic wreath-laying ceremony marking the conclusion of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    Other dignitaries who laid wreaths at the event include the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga; the Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Justice Saidu Muhammad Sifawa; the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Ajose; the Commander, 119 Composite Group, Group Captain Gumut; the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa; the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Alhaji Aliyu Danchadi; and a representative of widows of fallen heroes, Jamila Gambo.

    Speaking to journalists shortly after the event, Governor Ahmed Aliyu refuted a viral video alleging that residents of Tidibale community were chased away by bandits from their village. He clarified that the individuals seen in the footage were temporarily relocated to Isa Local Government headquarters by the local council following rumours of a planned bandit attack.

    The Governor explained that the affected community members have since returned to their village, adding that security has been reinforced in the area.

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    He further warned against the politicisation of security issues, stressing the need for citizens to cooperate with the state government and security agencies in their collective efforts to ensure peace and safety across the state.

    Also speaking, the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Ajose, assured residents of Tidibale and surrounding communities of continued security presence, urging them to go about their normal lawful activities without fear.

    Major General Ajose also commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for approving the distribution of food items to widows of fallen heroes in the state, describing the initiative as the first of its kind.

    Out of the 500 bags of rice, along with cooking oil and salt procured by the state government, 50 were allocated to the barracks community, while 450 will be distributed to members of the Nigerian Legion across the 23 local government areas of the state.

  • Civil Service reform and good governance

    Civil Service reform and good governance

    • By Karen Ibrahim

    Public service reform lies at the heart of sustainable governance, and in Sokoto State  that commitment has taken a more deliberate and focused shape under Governor Ahmed Aliyu. His recent redeployment of permanent secretaries, guided by the principles of merit, ethics and accountability has reinvigorated public debate about what genuine good governance demands and how institutional renewal can help translate into real, measurable improvements in the lives of the people. While any restructuring of senior bureaucratic positions would naturally raise questions about continuity, political neutrality and institutional balance, the overarching direction of the reform by the Governor Aliyu administration signals a sincere attempt to strengthen the machinery of government so that policies and programmes that impact on the people can be implemented with greater efficiency.

    From the outset, Governor Aliyu made it abundantly clear that the criteria guiding the redeployments were rooted firmly in merit and competence. His statement that “the era of business-as-usual is over” resonated widely across the state. Many civil servants, often accustomed to long periods of stagnation and limited growth prospects, saw in the governor’s message a renewed commitment to professionalism. The exercise was not carried out as a punitive measure; rather, it aligned officers’ skills with positions best suited to their qualifications and experience. It also reaffirmed the fundamental belief that the civil service is a professional institution and that senior administrative positions must be entrusted to individuals capable of driving policy implementation with clarity, integrity and technical expertise.

    This commitment to merit and fairness is equally evident in the ongoing statewide recruitment exercise, which the administration has deliberately designed to be open, competitive, and transparent at every stage. In line with its pledge to play strictly by the rules, the Sokoto State Recruitment Committee subjected all applicants seeking entry into the public service to a standardized Computer-Based Aptitude Examination—ensuring that no candidate received preferential treatment and that every individual had an equal opportunity to demonstrate competence.

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    Following the conclusion of this stage, the list of successful applicants for the second batch has now been publicly released. These candidates will proceed to an oral interview phase, which will be conducted with the same rigor, integrity, and transparency. Through these measures, the administration continues to demonstrate its unwavering resolve to build a public service anchored on merit, fairness, and due process.

    By making recruitment open, competitive and verifiable, the administration signals that entry into the civil service will no longer be clouded by patronage or secrecy. It also complements the restructuring at senior levels and demonstrates that merit is becoming the foundation of the service from the bottom to the top. This blend of transparent recruitment and strategic redeployment reinforces the credibility of the reform and will no doubt strengthen public confidence in government institutions.

    One of the most compelling arguments for a merit-based approach is its direct impact on institutional capacity. A civil service where officers are strategically placed according to their strengths is more likely to produce coordinated, informed and timely decisions the very essence of effective governance.

    Sokoto State’s most recent quarterly administrative review indicates that project processing timelines in strategic ministries have been shortened by approximately 15% since the redeployments, a modest but very important indicator that the reforms are achieving the desired results – internal efficiency. This improvement matters,because delayed memos, approvals or evaluations often translate to stalled projects, or cost overruns and failure of the government to provide service. A system designed around merit minimizes these risks and accelerates development.

    Governor Aliyu’s focus on tangible results is evident across several flagship initiatives, from expanding agricultural support programmes to improving primary healthcare delivery, revamping educational infrastructure and rehabilitating water supply systems. These projects certainly require a civil service capable of thorough planning, rigorous evaluation and consistent monitoring. Redeploying officers based on merit ensures that individuals with sector-specific knowledge handle the responsibilities most aligned with their expertise. This will not only strengthen administrative performance but also enhance coordination within ministries, reduce duplication of efforts and promote clearer lines of responsibility.

    While concerns about loss of continuity are understandable, particularly among those who have the  erroneous believe institutional memory rests primarily with individuals, good governance emphasizes functional systems over personalities. Sokoto’s recent reforms have focused on embedding continuity through stronger improved inter-ministerial communication and digital reporting tools. By ensuring that records, project histories and administrative procedures are properly documented, the Governor Aliyu administration has reduced  the risk of disruption when officers move. Performance reviews, project tracking dashboards and standardized handover protocols have also been introduced to promote smooth transitions that will keep programmes on track.

    Accountability has emerged as another central pillar of the governor’s reform effort. Over the years, bureaucratic opacity and inconsistent monitoring weakened the impact of public spending. Governor Aliyu’s insistence on transparent budgeting, clear targets and regular public disclosure is a signal that accountability has  become a defining culture within the civil service. And this shift has captured the attention of civic groups. A coordinator from the Sokoto Budget Monitoring Coalition remarked that “the changes have created more visibility around how decisions are made, and that is a positive step for accountability.” Such perspectives demonstrate that the reform is attracting external validation from actors who traditionally have issues with government performance.

    The emphasis on ethical leadership is equally significant. By demanding that permanent secretaries and director-level officers demonstrate honesty, responsibility and respect for public trust, the administration has redefined expectations for senior public officials. Officers who rise through competence rather than patronage are more likely to embrace high professional standards, making the civil service more trustworthy and effective.

    Early evidence of the reform’s impact on service delivery is already becoming visible. Across various sectors, citizens and frontline workers report more coordinated and timely government responses. A notable example comes from Gwadabawa, where community leaders observed that a water rehabilitation project that had been stalled for nearly a year was timely completed  after the responsible department was reorganized and a directorate head with engineering expertise was appointed. The intervention restored water to several households that had relied on alternative sources for months.

    Similarly, agricultural extension officers report faster distribution of inputs and clearer communication from the Ministry of Agriculture, while health workers note improved supply chains and better monitoring of essential drugs and consumables in primary healthcare centres.

    This progress is accompanied by an uplift in morale within the civil service. Many officers say the emphasis on merit has renewed their enthusiasm and sense of purpose. The perception of stagnation once a common source of frustration has eased as promotions and appointments increasingly reflect performance. Training programmes, capacity-building workshops and partnerships with development agencies have further strengthened this shift. A senior lecturer in public administration at Usmanu Danfodiyo University observed that “Sokoto’s emphasis on merit aligns with best practices globally and, if sustained, can transform service culture over time.”

    Still, no reform of this scale is without its challenges. Resistance to change, often rooted in longstanding institutional habits, is a natural response. Some officers worry that frequent redeployments could dilute institutional memory or create uncertainty within departments. While some opposition elements have expressed concerns about digital literacy as the government introduces more modern administrative tools and cautioned that reforms must be implemented carefully to avoid perceptions of political motivations, the track record of Governor Aliyu as a fair and just leader has knocked out the fears.

    Yet none of these issues diminish the necessity or potential of the reforms. Instead, they reinforce the need for sustained communication, consistent implementation and proactive stakeholder engagement. The administration has already demonstrated capacity in this regard through its public engagements.

    Looking ahead, the reform effort can be deepened in several strategic ways: expanding digital transformation through e-governance platforms; adopting performance contracts for senior officers; and creating more accessible channels for citizen feedback. These mechanisms would not only institutionalize transparency but would also encourage continuous improvement in service delivery.

    Governor Aliyu’s communication style; of direct, data-informed and people-centered projects  has been instrumental in driving the reform forward. His approach has also helped align the civil service with the state’s broader developmental goals and reinforced the urgency of achieving measurable results.

    Ultimately, the redeployment of permanent secretaries, the transparent recruitment into the civil service and the broader administrative reforms represent more than structural adjustments. They reaffirm Sokoto State’s commitment to good governance, one grounded in merit, and accountability. If sustained, these reforms will not only strengthen institutions but will also expand public trust, improve service delivery and create a civil service capable of meeting the state’s developmental aspirations.

    Sokoto is charting a path where civil service reform is not merely a bureaucratic exercise but a catalyst for long-term development. With transparent leadership, system-driven processes and a commitment to merit, the state is setting a standard worthy of emulation across Nigeria. The state,the Seat of the Caliphate it seems is constantly showing the way.

  • Law, good governance: The Sokoto example

    Law, good governance: The Sokoto example

    • By Abubakar Dan Ali

    It is widely accepted that the rule of law should be the foundation of a stable society and the cornerstone of good governance. Sometimes it is not, which is why those who uphold the rule of law are celebrated. When such leaders act within the legal framework and respect the institutions that uphold the law, they not only safeguard citizens’ rights, but they also strengthen democracy. This principle is visibly at work in Sokoto State under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who believes in the rule of law because it’s the foundation for a stable society and the cornerstone of good governance.

    Governor Aliyu of Sokoto State is very sensitive to the legal framework that governs each and every action that he takes in the discharge of his official duties.

    The importance of the rule of law, often hailed as the backbone of democracy, ensures that power is exercised responsibly and transparently, preventing the abuse of authority and protecting the rights of citizens.

    It’s not surprising that since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Aliyu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to legality and constitutional order in the administration of Sokoto State. His approach to governance is rooted in adherence to due process, legal reform, and institutional accountability. These efforts have helped to build public trust, promote transparency, and deliver more effective services to the people of Sokoto State. There is absolutely no doubt that he has fostered trust in the government and its institutions, encouraged civic engagement, and promoted social cohesion.

    One of the hallmarks of the Sokoto governor’s administration has been the deliberate use of law as a tool for reform and development. Early in his tenure, the government initiated a thorough review of existing legislation to align state laws with both constitutional provisions and modern governance standards. Old laws were amended and new ones enacted to improve service delivery and oversight. For example, the Sokoto State Local Government Law was amended and consolidated to extend the tenure of elected local government officials. This legal reform has helped to ensure grassroots development.

    Contrary to misinformation by the opposition, provisions relating to the appointment of district and village heads were not aimed at undermining the revered Sultanate Council; rather, they reflect constitutional authority, which vests the power to appoint, remunerate, or discipline public officers—especially those funded by the state treasury—with the executive branch of government, the governor. The law was debated and passed by the Sokoto State House of Assembly and duly assented to by the governor. The people are better off with it, as the councils are complementing the efforts of the state government in delivering the goods.

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    Another critical reform was the reclassification of three commissions established by the previous administration—the Zakat and Endowment Commission and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Commission. Though well-intentioned, their designation as “commissions” conflicted with Section 197 of the 1999 Constitution, which permits only three constitutionally recognised commissions at the state level: the Civil Service Commission, the Judicial Service Commission, and the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC). Based on sound legal advice, the Ahmed Aliyu administration amended the enabling laws and redesignated these bodies appropriately as agencies. The change has improved oversight functions, enhanced accountability, and brought them under the supervision of the right ministries, ensuring better service delivery without compromising their mandates.

    Good governance is not just about passing laws; it’s also about enforcing them fairly and without fear or favour. Aliyu has shown rare political courage in holding individuals accountable, regardless of status or influence. A notable example is the decision to prosecute contractors who received state funds but failed to execute the projects. This action has sent a strong message that public resources will be used responsibly, and legal consequences await those who breach trust.

    One essential aspect of the rule of law demands that offenders of the law must be made to face the consequences of their actions, and this is to serve as a deterrent to others. It is in this light that we can fully appreciate the decision by the Sokoto State Executive Council to prosecute errant contractors who failed to execute projects for which they had received payments.

    In another instance, a young woman named Hamdiyya Sidi Sharif was prosecuted by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for inciting social unrest in Sabo Birnin-Daji, Wurno Local Government Area. Despite serious efforts by the opposition and some human rights activists, including blackmail of the governor, the governor rightly refused to interfere in the case. The government’s response was guided by law and not sentiment. It supported the police in its efforts to preserve law and order.

    Because the governor gets the right legal advice, he exudes confidence when he acts, knowing that he is covered by the enabling laws of the land. Even when rabble-rousers and self-seeking organisations mount “unholy” pressure on him to use executive powers to free persons who deliberately contravened the law, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has remained resolute and refused to buckle for the sake of cheap popularity. He fully understands that when offenders of the law are not held accountable for their offences, the consequences are dire for the entire society, as it would embolden others to trample on the law, leading to possible anarchy.

    Aliyu’s administration has also resisted external pressures to shield politically connected individuals from lawful prosecution. Such principled consistency not only reinforces the rule of law but also reassures the public that justice is not selective in Sokoto State. His governance style shows a clear understanding that when offenders are allowed to walk free for political reasons, it erodes confidence in the justice system and emboldens others to break the law. On the other hand, when leadership is anchored in legal principles, the result is a safer, more orderly, and more prosperous society.

    One reason for the administration’s success in legal reform is the strength of its legal team. At the forefront is the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Barrister Nasiru Muhammad Binji, a respected legal mind with decades of experience. Under his guidance, the Ministry of Justice has provided the executive arm with an expert counsel on legislation, contracts, and regulatory matters. The legal team actively reviews laws to ensure they are up-to-date, relevant, and constitutionally compliant. Their proactive approach has significantly reduced legal conflicts and improved policy implementation.

    As Barrister Binji aptly puts it, “If we are talking about good governance, we must have the necessary laws to guide us. And I must also stress that adherence to the rule of law is important for good governance. It keeps the government in check, within their legal boundaries.”

    What distinguishes Governor Aliyu from other governors is his resolve to act according to law, not convenience or popularity. In a political climate where many leaders avoid tough decisions for fear of backlash, he has stood firm in upholding the legal process, even when it means confronting misinformation or sacrificing short-term public approval. This legal discipline reflects a higher level of leadership, one that values long-term institutional strength over fleeting applause.

    It is not an exaggeration to say that Nigeria would be more stable, prosperous, and just if more leaders demonstrated the same respect for the law in their approach to governance. Many of the country’s challenges—corruption, insecurity—are rooted in the failure to follow and enforce legal norms. Where the law is strong and leaders are accountable, progress follows. Sokoto State’s example stands as proof of this.

    The Sokoto State experience under Governor Ahmad Aliyu highlights the critical link between law and governance. Through deliberate legal reforms, consistent enforcement, and informed leadership, the administration has made substantial progress in creating a system where legality, transparency, accountability, and service delivery go hand in hand. Laws are not mere documents; they are tools for social order, economic development, and the protection of citizens’ rights. When used wisely and implemented consistently, they become a force for good.

    While no government is perfect, the Sokoto State model demonstrates that real progress is possible when the law is not only respected but also used as a guiding principle for leadership. It is a lesson worth learning and emulating across Nigeria.

  • Sokoto gov donates hajj seat to UDUS best graduating student

    Sokoto gov donates hajj seat to UDUS best graduating student

    …urges varsity to groom job creators

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State on Saturday announced the donation of a Hajj seat to Abdullahi Sheriff, a Microbiology graduate who emerged overall best student at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), during its combined 50th anniversary jubilee and 42nd convocation ceremonies. Sheriff graduated with a 4.92 CGPA.

    The governor, who attended the event as Special Guest of Honour, urged the university to go beyond academic training and focus on raising graduates who would become job creators rather than job seekers.

    “This will help bridge the gap of unemployment and promote economic and financial independence among young Nigerian graduates,” Aliyu stated.

    Sheriff’s academic feat drew admiration from dignitaries including Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Emir of Yauri, Dr. Muhammad Zayyana Abdullahi, who joined in giving him a standing ovation and taking photographs.

    Aliyu, himself an alumnus of UDUS, described the institution as a “legacy builder” that has shaped lives both within and outside Nigeria. 

    He stressed that the university remains an engine of growth and development, significantly impacting Sokoto State and the nation.

    Highlighting his administration’s commitment to education, Aliyu noted that his government’s nine-point agenda prioritises the sector. 

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    He revealed that four UDUS professors were appointed to lead key ministries in the state, covering Basic and Secondary Education, Science and Technology, Female Education, and Higher Education.

    He also urged UDUS to expand vocational and technical training in partnership with stakeholders, saying such collaborations would empower youths with practical skills to tackle unemployment and drive entrepreneurship.

    The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its investments in education, particularly in infrastructure and facilities, which he said are helping to reposition public institutions of learning for national development.

    Graduands were formally inducted into the UDUS alumni association by its National President, Dr. Buhari Bello Kware, who encouraged them to remain active in alumni initiatives that would further advance the university’s vision.

    Goodwill messages from sister universities and Colleges of Education across the country were also delivered during the ceremony.

  • How Aliyu is re-writing Sokoto’s history

    How Aliyu is re-writing Sokoto’s history

    • By Musa Nafada

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has embarked on an ambitious mission to rewrite the state’s governance narrative through a robust focus on public infrastructure development, among other sectors. His administration’s commitment to infrastructure, as part of his 9-Point Smart Agenda, has not only revitalized Sokoto’s physical landscape but also restored hope among its people. This narrative takes a huge meaning when compared to the years between 2015 and 2023. Many residents of the state consider the 2015-2023 development cycle in the state as years eaten up by locust with no advertiseable developments to boast of. For these people, despite its rich heritage, Sokoto state faced significant developmental challenges, and experienced stagnation in infrastructure development, economic growth, and social services, leaving it in dire need of transformation. Their prayers for change was answered on May 29, 2023.

    Two years down the line, the people are excited that their investments in Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, has paid off handsomely as the story of their state has taken a turn for the good. For them, Dr. Aliyu is proof that god answers prayers. Their reasons: The governor’s infrastructure agenda is a central pillar of his governance strategy. It aimed at transforming Sokoto into a modern, developed state. His efforts span road construction, water supply, housing, and rural development, with a focus on addressing long-standing challenges and improving the quality of life for residents.

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    For instance, the most visible aspects of his infrastructure revolution is his aggressive road construction and rehabilitation programme which kicked off as soon as he assumed office in 2023. He had prioritized addressing the deplorable state of roads in Sokoto, particularly in the state capital and rural areas. Complaints to the previous government about the poor state of roads in the state fell on deaf ears. But Aliyu came, opened his, listened and went to work. His administration has tackled the problem of poor road infrastructure head-on. In January 2024, Aliyu flagged off the construction and rehabilitation of 47 roads linking Tudun Wada and Unguwar Rogo areas in the Sokoto metropolis, at a cost of ₦8.99 billion. These roads were designed to decongest the state capital and expand development opportunities. Other notable road projects include the construction of over 30 asphalt roads as part of his government’s Urban Renewal Programme, which has given Sokoto a modern, aesthetically pleasing look. The installation of wire fences along major roads has also reduced accidents, enhancing safety for motorists and pedestrians.

    Beyond Sokoto metropolis, Aliyu’s administration has prioritized rural road connectivity. He is doing this with the mindset that majority of Sokoto’s population reside in rural areas. For him, therefore, strategic rural roads, such as the Huchi-Gidan Kamba-Lugu junction, Wurno-Kwargaba-Sabongari, and Goronyo-Kirare roads, have to be rehabilitated to facilitate the movement of goods and services. And, they have been. In total, the Department of Rural Feeder Roads has constructed and rehabilitated approximately 101.65 kilometers of rural feeder roads across the state, including the 3.6-kilometer Tangaza-Zabarmawar Yahaya Town road and the 4-kilometer Dingyadi-Rumbuki road in Bodinga Local Government Area. These projects have improved access to markets, boosted agricultural productivity, and enhanced social interactions in rural communities.

    Governor Aliyu’s focus also extends to ending the perennial water scarcity in Sokoto. Residents of the state are subjected to acute shortages and reliance on expensive, often unsafe, water sources. But Aliyu is determined to resolve the problem and make the scarcity a thing of the past. His administration has so far made significant strides in addressing the challenge through a ₦14.1 billion water project aimed at reviving and completing six township water schemes. These were water schemes initiated by the administration of Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko but ignored between 2015 and 2023. The water schemes are located in Tamaje, Old Airport, Gagi, Mana, Runjin Sambo, and Ruga Liman and have a combined capacity of 40 million gallons of water per day.

    To the joy of the people, on June 23, 2025, Aliyu commissioned the Old Airport Water Scheme, which would guarantee some 3 million gallons of water daily. This marks a significant milestone in the governor’s determined efforts to end water scarcity in the state. Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Aliyu described the project as “promise fulfilled.” Indeed, it was! He stated that his administration inherited a collapsed water supply system in the state powered by obsolete equipment and absence of treatment chemicals. To address these issues, Aliyu said that his government replaced outdated equipment, secured alternative power sources for the state water board, and ensured a steady supply of clean water to Sokoto and its environs. Enthralled residents, traditional rulers and top government officials who observed the commissioning ceremony, lauded the achievement as a much-awaited relief.

    One interesting thing about Governor Aliyu’s water projects is the fact that they are strategically located based on population density and urgency of need. This ensures inclusion for both urban and rural communities. The water schemes in Tamaje, Mana, and Rugar Liman aims to extend potable water access to underserved areas. These efforts have significantly reduced the cost of water for residents, who previously paid between ₦200 and ₦300 per jerrycan. The progress on water schemes development in Sokoto has also impacted public health by ensuring access to treated water. This underscores Governor Aliyu’s activism on addressing the health challenges of the Sokoto people. It is also in line to achieving Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) which emphasise clean drinking water for the people as a measure towards eradicating certain health challenges faces by the people, especially, diarrhea and enteric diseases.

    Governor Aliyu’s time in Sokoto State has, so far, been a turning point in the state’s governance trajectory. Through his ambitious infrastructure agenda, he has addressed long-standing challenges in road connectivity, water supply, housing, and rural development. These have helped push up the development ante towards transforming Sokoto into a model of progress and development. His 9-Point Smart Agenda, which is rooted in a deep commitment to the welfare of his people, has delivered over 180 impactful projects in less than two years, earning him widespread acclaim from residents, stakeholders, and political allies.

    By prioritizing both urban and rural development, Governor Aliyu has bridged the gap between the state capital and its hinterlands. This has helped to foster economic growth, social equity, and security, and placed Sokoto on the upper scale of the ladder of rapidly developing states in Nigeria. Hopefully, the Seat of the Caliphate will regain its pre-eminent disposition and progressive trajectory, a niche created for it under the watch of the legendary Sardauna of Sokoto, the late Sir Ahmadu Bello.

    •Nafada wrote from Abuja

  • Ahmed Aliyu: Leveraging vision, lifting Sokoto

    Ahmed Aliyu: Leveraging vision, lifting Sokoto

    By Louis Achi

    According to the legendary organization expert and pioneer of modern leadership principles, Warren Bennis, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” Visionary leaders execute strategies that transform ambitious goals into tangible outcomes.

    Bennis’ insight highlights the imperative for leaders to inspire, guide, and act on their ideas to achieve real-world results. This encapsulates the story of northwestern region’s Sokoto State under the administration of youthful Governor Ahmed Aliyu who has leveraged bold visioning to transform the ‘Seat of the Caliphate.’

    From the outset, it’s important to state that the massive development changes that Governor Aliyu has accomplished in his two years in office came without borrowing a kobo, a scourge many governors cavalierly indulge in.  This clearly stands him out as a frugal, strategic thinker and innovative problem-solver. His innate ability to navigate complex, tough governance environments and make bold decisions also clearly recommends him for future higher leadership responsibility.

    Youthful Governor Aliyu also covets knowledge-driven innovations, proactive, inclusive engagement with stakeholders, relevant institutions, policy makers and more importantly, sure-footed action. These dimensions have been boldly mirrored in actualizing his nine-point SMART agenda despite the overarching challenges.

    Governor Aliyu’s nine-point SMART agenda include – education, health, water, agriculture, security, youth empowerment, local government autonomy, religious affairs, and economy. He significantly recognizes the necessary complementarity and synergy between his administration’s first agenda – education – and the imperative transformation of Sokoto State.

    For instance, Sokoto State’s 2025 budget of “Transformation and Infrastructural Sustainability,” notching N526,882,142,484.39 targets consolidation of achievements of the 2024 budget. The state’s 2025 budget has a recurrent expenditure of N176,295,602,130.14 billion and a whopping N349,386,540,354.25 billion for capital expenditure, a 34:66 percent recurrent to capital ratio.

    As in the 2024 budget which gave education over 30 per cent, next year’s budget also unapologetically prioritises education. According to the former Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Sambo Bello Danchadi, “Some key areas of focus for the 2025 budget include: Education: with 25% allocation; devoting substantial portion of the state’s budget to education is a significant commitment to improving the sector. This move will help address infrastructural deficits, fund educational programs, and ensure the effective delivery of teaching and learning.

    By surpassing UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 15-20%, the administration has demonstrated its priority for education, which is critical to achieving sustainable development.

    From the basic to tertiary levels in the state, the governor’s premium on education is obvious from the re-accreditation of several courses in its tertiary institutions and the massive construction of schools, renovation of dilapidated buildings, provision of furniture, and instructional materials, the prompt payment of examination fees for students writing the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations, and the payment of outstanding scholarships for students undergoing various degree programmes.

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s vision for educational transformation is mirrored in various specific interventions. His APC-led administration has prioritized education as a cornerstone of societal progress.

    A significant highlight of his tenure is the intervention for 88 Sokoto State medical students affected by the crisis in Sudan. Rather than allowing these future healthcare professionals to languish in uncertainty, his administration facilitated their transfer to Usmanu Danfodiyo University Medical College, ensuring their education remained uninterrupted.

    This bold initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to nurturing human capital and fostering resilience in the face of challenges.

    Moreover, the government has invested heavily in educational infrastructure and teacher training programmes. By creating enabling environment for both students and educators, the administration is building foundation for a more enlightened and competitive youth population in Sokoto State.

    Hon. Danchadi also revealed that over 800,000 children in the state have been enrolled into basic education schools, marking a drastic increase in the number of enrolments into public primary schools and attributes the increased enrolment to the efforts of the state governor to improvement of education infrastructure across the state.

    Significantly, the administration accomplished these feats without borrowing a kobo from any bank or financial institution within or outside the country.

    More, there is little debate that within two years of Governor Aliyu’s administration, there have been several viable projects executed under the State Universal Basic Education Board, Sokoto, with the help of its Executive Chairman, Alh. Umar Nagwari Tambuwal who assumed office along with his lieutenants on 28th May 2024.

    As part of strict commitments to revive the state’s basic education sector, within two years, huge amount of resources were injected in the provision of infrastructures and other necessary facilities to 2,115 pre-primary and primary and 296 junior secondary schools across the state.

    From March, 2024 to January, 2025, the State UBEC Board, Sokoto constructed 161 blocks of 2, 3, and 4 Compartment classrooms, offices, children’s restrooms, and veranda across the state.

    There was also construction of 128 modern toilets, drilling and reticulation of 32 boreholes as well as procurement of 35,369 furniture and renovation of 169 blocks of 3, 2 and 4 Compartment the classrooms with office and verandah across the state.

    In the meantime, the abandoned UBEC/SUBEB Smart Model School Maituta Road was successfully completed on the approval of N90,981,433 and construction of new primary school with construction of Blocks of 2 and 3 classrooms toilet verandah office and children restroom at Bada Bada village in Kware Local Government.

    Two months ago the administration initiated a digital training programme designed to transition participants from digital illiteracy to digital literacy and provide extensive training in computer literacy, graphic design, video editing, social media marketing, and AI for productivity. This critical project is anchored by the State’s Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy (MIDE) flagged-off by the Commissioner, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo.

    Governor Aliyu further announced the state government’s plans to train further 10,000 individuals across the state, aimed at enhancing digital skills and promote self-sustainability. Participants, drawn from all 23 local government areas in Sokoto State have reported significant improvements in their digital skills since the program’s inception.

    The training covered essential courses, including Digital Computer Literacy, Social Media Marketing, Graphic Design, Video Editing, and Artificial Intelligence for Productivity.

    This initiative is a key component of Sokoto State’s proactive strategy to prepare its citizens for digital transformation. MIDE remains dedicated to advancing digital literacy, technological advancement and fostering innovation across all sectors of the economy of Sokoto State.

    By its deliberate, heavy investment in educational infrastructure and teacher training programmes, the government is creating enabling environment for both students and educators. The administration is in effect building foundation for a more enlightened and competitive youth population in Sokoto State.

    As Sokoto ‘weaponizes’ the crucial tool of education to achieve accelerated transformation in a development-hungry milieu, Governor Aliyu has also scaled-up the place of technology to explore diverse development models in the world and settle for the best “Next-Level” option. Technology unquestionably is a key development facilitator.

    Governor Aliyu’s administration’s fiscal discipline which has significantly enabled it execute numerous developmental projects besides education without resorting to loans as well as maintaining a debt-free status with contractors. This circumspect approach ensures long-term sustainability and reflects a governance model rooted in accountability and financial responsibility.

    In conclusion, three agenda arenas of Sokoto State’s current administration must be touched – agriculture, security and workers’ welfare – although they don’t exhaust the wide scope of Governor Aliyu’s governance play-book.

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    Agriculture certainly grabbed the governor’s attention. Agricultural production was boosted through the provision of very affordable inputs – fertilizer, farming equipment, improved seedlings, chemicals such as herbicide pesticide and other items for irrigation.

    The governor is also working on the rehabilitation of dams for dry season farming. Water supply has also improved, with the completion of several water projects. The governor’s determination is regular supply of water to projects.

    While many states curiously struggle with dealing with basic human imperatives, Governor Aliyu would have none of that. His dedication to workers’ welfare, particularly retired civil servants, is unmatched. Pensioners in Sokoto State, for years, endured hardship due to unpaid gratuities and pensions.

    Sokoto’s current humane administration took decisive action to address these issues, clearing arrears and ensuring timely payments. This commitment has resonated positively with his statewide constituency and restored dignity and financial stability to thousands of suffering retirees neglected by the previous administration.

    Like most states in the North-Western zone, Sokoto State is faced with insecurity ranging from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and others. The need to confront the challenges of insecurity with the seriousness it deserves did not escape Governor Aliyu’s attention. In this connection, about 150 well-equipped security patrol vehicles were procured and donated to the security personnel to ease their task in fighting the disruptive enemies of the state.

    Additionally, Governor Aliyu also established Community Guard to assist the conventional security in tackling the challenge by providing intelligence to them. As a local entity, the Community Guard knows the locality more than the conventional security personnel.

    Just two years in the saddle, unassuming Governor Ahmed Aliyu has certainly altered the development trajectory of the conservative North-Western Sokoto State. And without borrowing a kobo.

    That is the difference quality governance vision makes.

  • Sallah bonus: Aliyu’s unfinished business

    Sallah bonus: Aliyu’s unfinished business

    Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu obviously has the interest of workers in his state at heart. In 2024, he approved a bonus of thirty thousand naira each for all civil servants in the state to support their festive expenses during the Eid-el-Adha celebrations. He will likely do something similar for this year’s festivities that are around the corner. But disbursement of the largesse last year was an Augean stable and it remains to be seen how well that stable has been cleared.

    After the governor made provision for the Sallah bonus to be paid in 2024, it was found out that the largesse did not get to all intended beneficiaries. The share meant for workers with Sokoto’s local government administrations and primary school teachers under the local government education authorities was diverted and the governor got to know of it. About mid-last year while addressing a crowd of well-wishers at the Government House in Sokoto, following a successful Hajj exercise, Aliyu expressed dismay over the conduct of some finance officials, especially at the council level, who denied council staff the thirty thousand naira approved as Sallah bonus by the state government.

    “I wonder how somebody would deny our workers the stipends we gave them in order to make them financially stable during the Sallah festive season. Those who diverted those funds must return them immediately, or else we will take serious punitive measures against them,” the governor had said, adding: “We will ensure that the culprits reap what they sowed to serve as a deterrent to others.” He charged all heads of agencies where the diversion had taken place to hasten compilation of all affected workers and ensure they get paid; adding that the state administration was determined to ensure accountability, transparency and prudent management of public funds for the good of all.

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    In an address to labour unions during the 2025 May Day celebrations recently held at Giginya Stadium in Sokoto, Aliyu announced that the misappropriated Sallah bonus had been recovered. He assured the workers that the recovered funds would shortly be disbursed to rightful beneficiaries in accordance with established procedures for the Sallah largesse.

    Reports about the governor’s May Day address did not cite him speaking of sanctions for those from whom the diverted funds was recovered, and you would wonder if recovering the money was all there is to dealing with the malpractice. Aliyu, from his past pronouncements, did not appear to be in doubt about the set of officials to hold liable for the fund diversion. Recovering the money from them should not be the end of the matter, they should be delivered to justice. Otherwise, the governor would be treating corruption with kid gloves and the touted deterrence factor would be lost.

  • Aliyu assents to 2025 appropriation bill, vows to execute more projects

    Aliyu assents to 2025 appropriation bill, vows to execute more projects

    Sokoto State Governor,  Ahmed Aliyu has assented to the 2025 Appropriation Bill, promising to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

    Aliyu, who described the 2024 budget implementation as a success story, reiterated his administration’s determination to continue to execute people-oriented projects already started.

    “In the outgoing year, we succeeded in executing many developmental projects that had impacted positively on the lives of our people.

    “We would, In sha Allah, sustain this invaluable gesture by delivering more dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of our people,” he vowed.

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    The Governor further reaffirmed his administration’s support to the  fight against banditry and other forms of  criminality  in the state.

    The Governor also thanked the lawmakers for the speedy passage of the bill.

    This, he said, has clearly demonstrated their unwavering commitment towards making the lives of their people better.

    Earlier, the Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga, said the lawmakers had subjected the appropriation bill to a thorough scrutiny to ensure that it is in line with the yearnings and aspirations of the electorate.  

  • Governor Aliyu reacts to military airstrike that killed civilians in Sokoto

    Governor Aliyu reacts to military airstrike that killed civilians in Sokoto

    The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, has reacted to the killing of civilians in military airstrikes at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages in Silame Local Government Area of the state.

    The Nation reported that at least 10 civilians were reportedly killed on Christmas day in the airstrikes against Lakurawa terrorists.

    Aliyu said in a statement that he is “in direct communication with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”

    He added that the state government would do everything it can to support the affected families and engage with the relevant authorities to prevent such occurrences in the future.

    He wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I address you following the tragic incident in the communities of Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa in the Silame Local Government Area. This heartbreaking event, caused by an accidental misfire from the Nigerian Army, has claimed the lives of innocent citizens and left several others injured.

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    “As your governor, I am deeply saddened by this avoidable loss of life. On behalf of the government and the people of Sokoto State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured in this unfortunate incident.

    “I want to assure you that I am in direct communication with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragedy. The state government will do everything within its power to support the affected families and engage with the relevant authorities to prevent such occurrences in the future.

    “This is a time for us to stand united as a community. I urge all residents to remain calm and pray for peace in our state and nation. May the Almighty comfort the bereaved families and grant eternal rest to the departed souls.

    “I visited the affected areas to assess the situation firsthand and have directed a donation of N20 million along with 100 bags of assorted food items to the families of the deceased. This support is intended to alleviate their suffering and cover the medical bills of those hospitalized due to their injuries from the bombardment.

    “Together, we will overcome this difficult moment and work towards ensuring that such tragedies do not happen again. – AAS”

  • Sokoto governor approves N200,000 monthly maintenance allowance for school principals

    Sokoto governor approves N200,000 monthly maintenance allowance for school principals

    Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, has approved a monthly maintenance allowance of N200,000 for secondary school principals to address basic miscellaneous needs in schools across the state.

    The governor also directed the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Dadi Adare, to urgently review the allowances of traditional rulers to align with current economic realities.

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    This development followed an appeal by the District Head of Kilgori, Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, during the 2025 Citizens Budget Discussion held at the Sultan Abubakar Maccido Institute of Quranic and General Studies. 

    The event brought together diverse stakeholders from various interest groups.

    At the event, former deputy governor, Chiso Abdullahi, urged the governor to approve financial support for school principals, emphasising the importance of addressing minor infrastructure repairs and other immediate needs without lengthy bureaucratic delays.