Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
A new chapter of rural transformation has unfolded in Sokoto State as the former Military Administrator, Navy Captain Abdulrasheed Adisa Raji (rtd), on Monday, commissioned the N4.1 billion, 14.4-kilometre Buzulega–Lukuyawa–Yar Gada–Tabanni–Malikawa–Shalla–Kware Road, a landmark infrastructure project jointly financed by the Federal Government, the World Bank, and the Sokoto State Government.
The road, which traverses key agricultural and rural settlements across Kware, Gwadabawa, and Wurno Local Government Areas, forms a crucial part of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s comprehensive plan to connect remote communities, boost agricultural productivity, and improve rural mobility.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Captain Raji described rural road networks as the “cornerstone of socio-economic progress,” emphasizing that sustainable national development is impossible without accessible infrastructure.
“Rural roads are vital for advancing healthcare, education, and trade. This project demonstrates that Governor Ahmed Aliyu is not only making promises but delivering real progress,” Raji stated.
He lauded the Governor’s foresight and called on residents to safeguard public infrastructure and support ongoing development initiatives.
In his address, Governor Aliyu said the project, which cost N4,164,165,948.20, was designed to ease transportation for farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve access to markets, storage facilities, and essential services.
“This road connects communities that form the heartbeat of our agricultural economy,” the Governor said. “It will directly benefit thousands of farmers, traders, and transporters whose livelihoods depend on this route.”
Governor Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing rural infrastructure that directly enhances the quality of life for citizens.
“We are constructing roads that link farms to markets, water to homes, and opportunity to people,” he added. “Our vision is to make rural life more productive, dignified, and fulfilling.”
He commended the World Bank, the Federal Government, and the Central Bank of Nigeria for their partnership, describing the project as a model of effective collaboration for sustainable development.
In his goodwill message, His Eminence, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, commended Governor Aliyu’s leadership and commitment to development, describing the project as “a testament to purposeful governance.”
“The Governor is doing exceptionally well,” the Sultan said. “Other leaders should emulate his example by using their tenure to deliver meaningful impact to their people.”
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Rural Roads, Malami Muhammad Galadanci, disclosed that the project was initially conceived as a feeder road but was later upgraded to a fully asphalted road by the Governor.
He also confirmed that affected landowners were duly compensated and that the project was completed on schedule.
Engineer Abubakar Yahaya, who represented the National Coordinator of the Rural Agricultural and Marketing Project (RAMM), explained that the road aligns with a broader national strategy to improve rural logistics and expand market access for farm produce.
Sokoto State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Hon. Bello Idris, described the road as a “lifeline for rural communities,” while the Chairmen of Kware, Gwadabawa, and Wurno Local Governments praised the Governor for transforming their local economies through infrastructure development.
The commissioning drew a jubilant crowd of residents, who hailed the project as a “dream fulfilled” — a road that now links farms to markets, children to schools, and families to a brighter, more connected future.
