Kalu Commissions N3.5bn Arikilla Road Network, Applauds Aliyu’s Infrastructure Drive

Kalu Commissions N3.5bn Arikilla Road Network, Applauds Aliyu’s Infrastructure Drive

From Shehu M. Wamakko

Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, on Tuesday commissioned the N3.5 billion Arikilla Layout Road Network Project in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State, commending Governor Ahmed Aliyu for what he described as remarkable infrastructural development across the state.

The road network project, valued at N3,502,250,520, comprises nine interconnected roads constructed to improve mobility, ease transportation challenges and stimulate economic activities within Arikilla and neighbouring communities.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the project as another milestone in his administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

He said road development remains a critical component of his administration’s agenda because of its direct impact on economic growth, social integration and improved living standards.

“Since assuming office, we have prioritised road construction and rehabilitation across the state because roads are essential for economic prosperity and community development,” the governor said.

Aliyu noted that many township and rural roads inherited by his administration were in a deplorable condition, but sustained investments in infrastructure had significantly improved accessibility across the state.

According to him, the newly completed Arikilla road network will reduce travel time, improve safety, enhance commercial activities and attract further investments to the area.

The governor urged residents to safeguard the infrastructure and ensure that drainage channels remain unobstructed to guarantee the durability of the roads.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to extending development projects to all parts of the state and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the support being provided through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

In his remarks, Senator Kalu praised Governor Aliyu’s developmental efforts and commended Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for mentoring the governor and providing the leadership that has contributed to the administration’s achievements.

He also lauded ongoing infrastructure projects in the state, including the construction of a new departure terminal at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport.

Kalu described Governor Aliyu as a leader committed to restoring Sokoto’s status as the seat of the historic Sokoto Caliphate through strategic investments in infrastructure and urban renewal.

“The governor is rebranding Sokoto and giving it the image it deserves. The pace of development I have seen here is commendable,” he stated.

The senator further called for unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and urged political leaders to place national development above personal and sectional interests.

He also advocated a greater constitutional role for traditional rulers in promoting peace and stability across the country.

Earlier, a community leader, Professor Bello Daudun Bada, praised Governor Aliyu for prioritising road construction and urban renewal projects across Sokoto State.

He noted that the nine interconnected roads commissioned in Arikilla would improve transportation, boost economic activities and enhance the quality of life of residents.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the North-West Development Commission (NWDC), Professor Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, assured residents that the commission would soon commence intervention projects in agriculture, security, health, education, infrastructure, environmental protection, and youth and women empowerment.

He said the commission was established to complement government efforts in addressing developmental challenges and accelerating socio-economic growth across the North-West region.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, represented by the District Head of Wamakko, Baraden Wamakko, Alhaji Ahmad Barade, said the Sultanate Council commended Governor Aliyu for executing people-oriented projects that improve living standards and strengthen the relationship between government and citizens.

He said the council would continue to support programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting peace, development and prosperity across Sokoto State.

The event attracted government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, community stakeholders and residents from across the state.