Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Sokoto Advancement Forum (SAF) has rolled out a bold, citizen-driven framework aimed at accelerating Sokoto State’s socio-economic transformation and aligning it with Nigeria’s broader national development agenda.
The resolve was reached and contained in a communique issued to newsmen on Wednesday after the Forum’s maiden General Assembly held on 27 December 2025, at Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, where stakeholders from across academia, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector, women and youth groups, professionals and the diaspora converged to chart a new course for the state.
The Assembly reviewed SAF’s journey since its establishment in April 2025 and commended the Interim Executive Council for laying a strong institutional foundation.
Key achievements highlighted include the Forum’s registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, establishment of a functional secretariat, creation of technical and thematic committees, sustained stakeholder engagements and a landmark policy dialogue on reforming the Almajiri system.
Reaffirming its identity, SAF declared itself a non partisan, inclusive and development oriented platform, committed to constructive engagement with governments at all levels, traditional institutions and development partners, irrespective of political affiliation.
“Participants stressed that the Forum’s role is to provide credible policy advice, advocacy, and technical support that can strengthen governance outcomes in Sokoto and beyond.
“On accountability, the Assembly reviewed the Forum’s financial report and praised the emphasis on transparency, prudent management and ethical standards, while acknowledging the voluntary contributions of members as evidence of shared responsibility and public trust,” the communique stated.
The further disclosure that, delegates examined the draft Constitution, Bye laws and Work Plan of SAF, describing them as sound governance instruments, but resolved that they should undergo further review and stakeholder input before final adoption to ensure institutional strength and inclusiveness.
“A major outcome of the meeting was the presentation of a draft Five Year Strategic Development Blueprint for Sokoto State, covering education, health, security, agriculture, infrastructure, ICT, environment, youth and women development, ethics and public service reform.”
” The Assembly expressed confidence that the Blueprint, once finalised, would offer a practical policy compass for development planning at state and national levels.”
According to the communique, in the interest of stability and consolidation, the Assembly deferred elections into substantive executive positions and unanimously endorsed the continuation of the Interim Executive Council under the chairmanship of Professor Ambassador Mohammad Ahmad Wali.
“Looking ahead, SAF approved its 2026 program of activities in principle, prioritising grassroots mobilisation, multi-stakeholder collaboration and targeted interventions on security, drug abuse eradication and other critical challenges facing Sokoto State”.
“The Assembly underscored the principle of (Gayya) collective responsibility as central to sustainable development, calling on citizens, the private sector, development partners and public institutions to partner with SAF in translating policy ideas into action.”
The communique however concluded with a call for sustained resource mobilisation and national solidarity, reaffirming SAF’s commitment to integrity, inclusiveness and selfless service in advancing a peaceful, secure and prosperous Sokoto State as part of a stronger Nigeria.
