Latest news with #Sokoto
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Keyamo commissions modern airport terminal
The Sokoto State Government has commissioned a newly reconstructed airport access road and a modern VIP terminal building at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto, as part of ongoing efforts to reposition the state as a key gateway in Nigeria's aviation and economic landscape. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal and praised the quality of leadership exhibited in the state. 'This is not my first time in Sokoto; I was here last year to commission the Hajj terminal,' Keyamo recalled. 'What I see today is clear evidence that you have a governor who knows what to do and has a bold vision for his people.' The minister emphasized that the projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the current administration's policies have empowered governors to exceed expectations. 'As I drove through the newly reconstructed road, I said to myself: Sokoto is fast becoming a gateway to the nation,' he stated. 'With the kind of leadership I have seen here, I am confident that this state is on solid footing.' Governor Ahmed Aliyu, while speaking at the event, revealed that the airport and its access road were in a deplorable state for several years, following an abandoned contract by the previous administration. He noted that his government re-awarded and completed the projects with a focus on quality and long-term impact. According to him, the road reconstruction and beautification were completed at a cost of ₦1,264,516,255.50, while the construction of the state-of-the-art VIP terminal building was executed at ₦1,501,116,683.48. 'We are building a new Sokoto — one that can compare not only with other cities in Nigeria but with modern cities across the world,' the governor declared. The Sokoto airport infrastructure development initiative took a further leap as Governor Aliyu announced the commencement of a new terminal project, with the foundation-laying ceremony performed by Minister Keyamo. The new terminal, he said, will feature cutting-edge equipment and meet global standards. Governor Aliyu used the occasion to express the state's firm support for President Tinubu, assuring that the people of Sokoto remain solidly behind his administration and reform efforts. The event was attended by top government officials, traditional leaders, aviation stakeholders, and members of the public, all of whom applauded the state's transformation agenda. The Sokoto airport infrastructure development stands as a model of visionary governance and federal-state collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to modernization and economic growth. With continued investments like these, the Sokoto airport infrastructure development is expected to position the state as a vital transportation and commercial hub in Northern Nigeria.
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Sokoto govt approves strategic projects to strengthen infrastructure, security, governance
The Sokoto State Executive Council, led by Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, has approved a series of far-reaching projects aimed at revitalizing public infrastructure, boosting security, and enhancing governance across the state. Briefing journalists after the fifth council meeting of the year, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Sambo Danchadi, alongside the Attorney General and the Commissioners for Lands, Housing, and Environment, outlined the key decisions taken by the council. A major highlight was the approval for the procurement of official vehicles for Permanent Secretaries across the state's ministries. According to Danchadi, many senior civil servants have operated without official vehicles for nearly 17 years—a situation the governor deemed unacceptable. 'This decision underscores Governor Ahmed Aliyu's commitment to restoring the dignity and efficiency of the civil service,' the commissioner said. 'It's a significant step toward strengthening the administrative machinery of the state.' In a similar vein, the council approved the construction of a new, purpose-built office complex for the Ministry of Justice. For years, the ministry has shared office space with the Ministry for Local Government—a constraint that has hindered optimal service delivery. 'This is a landmark development for the legal sector in Sokoto,' said the Attorney General. 'The new office will offer a conducive environment for legal officers and improve the ministry's productivity.' As part of the broader Sokoto infrastructure and governance reforms, the council approved the purchase of 25 units of the 2024 Toyota Buffalo vehicles—10 to be allocated to community-based security outfits and 15 to conventional security agencies operating in the state. The initiative is designed to improve security logistics and response capacity amid evolving threats. The council also gave the green light for the comprehensive renovation of the Mariam Abacha Women Development Centre in Sokoto. The once-vibrant center will be revived to serve as a hub for skills acquisition and economic empowerment for women. In a move to enhance cross-border mobility and prevent flooding, the council approved the reconstruction of a damaged culvert along the Sokoto–Illela–Niger Republic road in Santaka village, Illela Local Government Area. The culvert had become a major obstacle to trade and transportation while contributing to seasonal flooding in nearby communities. To address rising environmental concerns, the Ministry of Environment received approval for the direct procurement of nine waste disposal trucks, along with cleaning materials, safety kits, and household waste bins. The move is aimed at modernizing sanitation and improving urban cleanliness across the state. 'These approvals are a testament to the administration's resolve to deliver on its Nine-Point Smart Agenda,' said Danchadi. 'Governor Aliyu is laying a strong foundation for sustainable development through responsive and strategic governance.' With these bold actions under the Sokoto infrastructure and governance reforms, the administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to citizen welfare and institutional revitalization. The council meeting marks another milestone in the state's reform-driven trajectory, reinforcing the broader vision behind the Sokoto infrastructure and governance reforms as Governor Ahmed Aliyu prioritizes sustainable development and strategic public investment.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Sokoto unveils $14mln 500-housing estate to tackle urban shelter deficit
In a landmark move to reduce the housing shortfall in Sokoto State, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto on Tuesday laid the foundation for a ₦22 billion state-of-the-art housing estate comprising 500 modern residential units. The groundbreaking event, held at Wajake Village in Wamakko Local Government Area, signals a major step in the state government's commitment to expanding access to decent and affordable housing—particularly for civil servants and low-income earners. Governor Aliyu, who described the initiative as part of his administration's bold urban renewal agenda, revealed that the estate would consist of 300 units of three-bedroom flats and 200 units of four-bedroom flats, to be sold on an owner-occupier basis to ensure affordability. 'When we assumed office, Sokoto State did not have a single government-owned house. This project is a direct response to that reality. It reflects our dedication to improving the living conditions of our people,' the governor stated. The housing estate, strategically located near the Sokoto New City, is being developed in partnership with Teamwork Construction Company Nigeria Limited, with a targeted completion period of 12 months. Governor Aliyu also disclosed that the state government had completed 500 housing units at Gidan Salanke, a project originally started by former Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko. Additionally, the state acquired 130 housing units at Kwannawa from the Federal Ministry of Housing. 'This foundation is more than just bricks and mortar. It represents our administration's commitment to raising living standards through lasting, people-first development,' he added. The governor charged the contractors to uphold high construction standards and ensure timely delivery, stressing that the project must stand as a legacy of quality and efficiency. Gracing the event as special guest, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo praised Governor Aliyu's leadership and focus on human-centred development, describing the initiative as 'historic' and transformative. He also lauded the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, for his continued wisdom and guidance, which he said has been instrumental to the stability and progress of the region. The project forms a critical pillar in Sokoto's broader push for infrastructure and urban renewal, aimed at reshaping the state's socio-economic landscape for long-term prosperity. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Nnamdi Kanu lawyers play video of T.Y Danjuma, DG DSS, Hope Uzodinma for court to support dia case
Counsel for Nnamdi Kanu don play videos for court wey show retired Army General T.Y Danjuma and di Director General of DSS Adeola Ajayi wia dem dey tell di public make dem rise up and defend diasef from terrorists and bandits. Paul Erokoro (SAN) tender dis videos for court dis Wednesday, during di conclusion of cross examination of di second prosecution witness - Mr BBB - for di ongoing trial of Kanu, leader of di Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob). Ipob na group wey dey fight for separation for Nigeria, but goment don declare dem as a terrorist organisation and charge Kanu dia leader wit terrorism. Kanu don dey for di custody of di Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021. Inside one of di videos, oga T.Y Danjuma dey tok for wetin look like academic gathering bicos e bin wear one academic gown. E tok say: "Di armed forces no dey neutral, dem dey collude wit armed bandits and terrorists who dey kill pipo. Dem dey give dem information, dem dey cover dem. And if una dey depend on di armed forces to stop di killings, una go all die one by one." Di second video show di DG of DSS, Adeola Ajayi as e dey give speech for one event, and e give example wit one community wey im name na Azare for Bauchi State, wia e took say dem fight back against Boko Haram terrorists wey attack dem and kpai all of dem, "and since den no attack don ever happen for Azare again". For di video, Ajayi give anoda example of one community - Tafawa Balewa for Sokoto State - who bin mobilize and stop bandit attacks for dia community, kpai all di bandits and take dia weapons. "You no expect say di army and police and security forces go secure everywhere for Nigeria. E dey impossible. We gatz get di community to rise and defend diasef and di time to do am na now," di DG tok for di video. Ajayi also say make di community come to di DSS and dem go give dem di necessary approval and strategy to organise diasef against attacks. Di last video wey Kanu lawyers play na wia di guvnor of Imo State hope Uzodinma tok say: "If anybodi tell you say Ipob dey responsible for di killings for Orlu zone, e no dey correct. Na wicked politicians dey sponsor di killings for Orlu." Uzodinma, for di video, ask politicians to embrace di spirit of Easter and comot hand for violence and killings fo di state. Afta di videos don play, Erokoro ask di witness wetin e think. Mr BBB ansa say e support wetin di DG of DSS tok one hundred percent, bicos e dey advice di pipo to get approval bifor dem go mobilise to defend diasef. On di TY Danjuma video, di witness say e hear wetin di retired General tok, but e no go make any comment about am. "You dey aware whether di DSS arrest Danjuma afta e make dis comments?" Erokoro ask, and BBB say e no dey aware of any arrest. For di video Hope Uzodinma, oga BBB say e belive say di guvnor dey refer to political killings for Imo State, but di killings wey IPOB members dey carry out cut across security pipo, civilians and evribodi including politicians. During re-examination, prosecution lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo ask di witness to clarify di difference betwin Amotekun and di Eastern Security Network wey be di security outfit dat Nnamdi Kanu and Ipob bin set up. BBB explain say dem no be di same tin bicos Amotekun dey recognised by law sake of say na all di state houses of assembly for di southwest make legislation to pass am into law, and e also dey registered, but ESN no dey like dat. 'Panel of enquiry on End SARS no indict Ipob' Also for di court session, Nnamdi Kanu lawyer, Erokoro tender di report of di Lagos state judicial panel of enquiry on restitution for victims of the end sars protest as evidence. Dis na afta e ask di witness e dey aware of di End SARS protest and di report of di panel wey investigate di protest. Mr BBB say im dey aware of di protest and di report. "You dey aware say di report bin indict security agencies for dat protest?" Erokoro ask, and BBB say e no dey aware. Erokoro den bring out di panel report and give am to di witness to read out di title and to check weda di document na certified true copy. Afta dat, e apply to tender di document in evidence. Trial Judge, James Omotosho admit di evidence and mark am as exhibit PWO, afta Awomolo say e no get any objection. Also durin di cross-examination, Kanu lawyer ask di witness weda di video of ESN members wey dem bin play for court show say any of di alleged ESN pipo bin carry arms. BBB say e no see any of dem wit gun, but arms fit dey inside dia clothes wey pesin no see. "What kind of arm fit dey concealed like dat," Erokoro ask am, and e reply say pesin fit hide pistols, daggers and even grenade inside dia cloth. Six days for prosecution to close dia case - Judge Afta di cross-examination and re-examination, Justice Omotosho say e dey determined to give accelerated hearing to di matter so dat e no go enta di period wen judges go start dia vacation by late July. E ask both counsels to discus and pick six days inside di next two weeks, so dat di prosecution go call all dia witness and close dia case. "No matter di number of witness wey di prosecution get, if dem no call all of dem and close dia case within dis six days, I go deem dia case closed," Omotosho tok. Nnamdi Kanu lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, and Adegboyega Awomolo wey be di lead prosecutor later agree on May 28, 29 and June 6, 16, 18, 19, 2025. Justice Omotosho adjourn di matter to di dates for continuation of hearing and possible closing of prosecution case. Brief Background Nnamdi Kanu na di leader of Ipob, group we dey fight for di independence of di southeast region of Nigeria. He also be di owner of Radio Bifra wey dey for London wia e dey broadcast im secessionist messages. Di Nigeria goment bin first arrest and arraign Kanu for court in 2015, on top accuse of terrorism, treason, and plan to scatter di goment. Court later grant am bail on health grounds in 2017, but e run comot for Nigeria afta e claim say soldiers invade im house to kill am and dem kill 28 pipo. Kanu continue to dey spread im message on top Radio Biafra and for im social media handles. In June 2021, security forces arrest Kanu for Kenya and bring am by force to Nigeria to continue im trial. Kanu and im lawyers dey claim say e dey illegal how dem kidnap am from Kenya and rendition am by force. Di matter start again bifor Justice Binta Nyako; a total of 15-count charges na wetin di goment sama Kanu. Justice Nyako later strike out eight of di charges, remaining di following seven: Kanu lawyers take di matter to di court of appeal wia dem strike out all di charges and discharge and acquit Kanu. However, di Supreme Court rule say Kanu get case to ansa and dem return di matter to di High Court. Kanu later tok say e no get confidence on Binta Nyako to deliver Justice for di matter, and di judge las las wash her hand comot. Dem reassign di case to Justice James Omotosho and e start afresh as Nnamdi Kanu plead not guilty to di charges.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Villagers tori how thousands turn refugees, communities become ghost town as notorious bandit Bello Turji give dem eviction notice for Sokoto
Pipo from several villages for Isa Local Government area for Sokoto State, northern Nigeria, don leave dia homes after dem say notorious bandit leader tell dem to comot witin few days or im go attack. Di bandits tell dem to comot afta dem attack some villages for di local government on Saturday. Di villages wey di bandits attack and sack for dia communities na Sududdubu, Galadima, Tsulawa, and Bafarawa, wey be village of former oGvnor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa. Reports say fear make some pipo for di communities comot go inside main town for Isa local goment for Sokoto, while odas run go Shinkafi local goment for Zamfara state as refugees. According to one Bashir Altine, wey dey live around Isa local goment area, e tok say di bandits attack na revenge for recent army attacks on bandits for di area. "Bello Turji and im boys dey in control of Sabon Birni and Isa local goments, and dem don dey terrorise dat area for years." "I fit tell you say more dan 30 villages don become ghost communities sake of di fear for dia lives," Altine tok. E add say, "na di bandits demself come direct to those villages come tell dem say make dem comot." Anoda resident for one of di villages tell BBC Pidgin say na Bello Turji pipo come dia village dey collect anytin wey get value and tell dem say make dem comot before dem come back. 'Afta soldiers comot, Bello Turji pipo come our village dey collect anytin wey get value from our hand. And dem tell us say make we comot if we wan live.' E add say, 'Di bandits kill seven to eight pipo during dia attack, while 20 odas bin injure.' "We don already tell di authority our situation sake of say we no get any security personnel for our village." According to di pipo wey comot from dia villages, dem tok say dem don dey live in fear for di past years becos of plenty attacks from bandits for dia region for Sokoto State, northern Nigeria. Police tok-tok persin for Sokoto, Rufa'i Ahmad, tell BBC Pidgin say di police no receive any official complaints from dat area, but e tok say deployment dey for di area. "Regarding dia mata, we never receive any official complaints from di pipo for dat area," Ahmad tok. But e add say since last week, Thursday and Friday, deployment don dey for dat area. Ahmad add say, "Since before dis incident wey pipo dey tok, deployment don already dey dat area. Sometin new fit happun wey we no know, dat na why e dey very important for residents to update us on wetin dey happun for dia areas." "As I dey now, we dey work and collaborate wit oda security personal to tackle insecurity kasala for dat region" E urge pipo for areas wey dey experience insecurity to dey update security pipo with informant so dem fit help dem well.
