Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has begun a statewide inspection of completed and ongoing development projects, with early findings revealing far-reaching investments that have transformed both rural and urban communities over the last two years.
Led by the State Chairman, Comrade Usman Muhammad Binji, the fact-finding mission aims to independently verify the impact of government interventions across key sectors such as potable water provision, rural roads, solar-powered street lighting, upgraded healthcare facilities, market development, and the establishment of community-friendly subsidy shops.
Flagging off the tour, Comrade Binji said the initiative aligns with the NUJ’s mandate to promote transparency, ensure public accountability, and deliver factual reporting of government activities for the benefit of citizens.
According to him, initial assessments in the first set of visited LGAs show that the combined efforts of the state government and local government chairmen have resulted in major infrastructural upgrades that are steadily improving the socio-economic conditions of rural dwellers.
In many communities, residents praised the provision of potable water through newly drilled boreholes, revamped water schemes, and solar-powered pumping systems relieving households of the long and stressful treks formerly required to access water.
The team further observed notable improvements in rural access roads, with farmers acknowledging that rehabilitated and newly constructed roads now ease the transportation of produce from farms to markets, significantly boosting agricultural productivity.
Across various towns and villages, the installation of hundreds of solar-powered street lights has enhanced security, supported night-time business activities, and strengthened community life.
Healthcare delivery has also received substantial attention, with upgraded primary health centers, renovated dispensaries, and functional cottage hospitals now offering affordable and accessible medical services to mothers, children, and elderly residents.
The NUJ documented the development of modern markets equipped with stalls, loading bays, and sanitation facilities.
Traders, including Ibrahim Mai Albasa and Yusuf Shugaba Bodinga, described these markets as a lifeline for rural economic revival.
One intervention widely celebrated by community members is the introduction of government-supported subsidy shops that offer essential commodities at reduced prices, helping families cope with prevailing economic challenges.
In communities such as Kware, Wamakko, Gwadabawa, Illela, Bodinga, Tambuwal, and Dange, residents applauded their local government chairmen for what they described as “visible development reaching the grassroots like never before.”
Women and youth groups in Dange/Shuni particularly highlighted improved access to water, electricity, and healthcare, noting how these projects have eased daily burdens and created opportunities for small businesses to flourish.
Comrade Binji reaffirmed that the NUJ will extend the tour to all 23 LGAs in its second phase to compile a comprehensive and independent report for public release.
He emphasized the commitment of Sokoto journalists to promoting responsible governance, amplifying community perspectives, and ensuring that all development projects funded by public resources reflect the genuine needs of the people.
The NUJ team will continue the inspection in the coming days, visiting additional rural communities to further assess the depth and sustainability of the state’s development initiatives.
