The Federal Government on Wednesday performed the groundbreaking ceremony of 40 water supply projects in Sokoto State worth N2 billion. Performing the ceremony at Sokoto State University, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, said the intervention was part of the FG’s broader mandate to the ministry.

“This water supply scheme is one of the ministry’s initiatives in Sokoto State, to ease access and sustainability, create employment, and facilitate healthy life among Nigerians.

“We will return soon to launch other projects, including the upgrade of existing dams and construction of new ones to enhance food production,” he assured.

According to him, these efforts align with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which aims to achieve food security, job creation, and agricultural development across Nigeria.

Goronyo reassured the public that, with the commitment of Mr President, the challenges facing the country would soon be addressed.

“Our President is a democrat dedicated to building a peaceful and productive Nigeria for everyone,” he said.

The minister also praised Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC- Sokoto North) for his foresight in establishing Sokoto State University and commended the state government for its commitment to maintaining the institution’s standards.

He urged the benefiting communities to take good care of the infrastructure provided by both the federal and state governments.

In his remarks, Alhaji Abdullahi Yakasai, the Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North-West Zone, lauded the minister for giving back to his people.

“This is a remarkable achievement that will significantly improve the living standards of the people of Sokoto State.

“I assure you that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is real and it will be delivered through dedicated leaders like Goronyo,” he said.

Alhaji Yusuf Maccido, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Water Resources, explained that the intervention would further support the state government’s commitment towards sustainable water supply.

“With this intervention, I can assure the people of Sokoto State that in the next two years, shortage of potable water will become a thing of the past,” Maccido assured.

The Project Coordinator, Alhaji Bello Kasim, said that 11 out of the 40 projects would be executed within Sokoto metropolitan area and surrounding communities.

He listed the locations to include, the state water board, Sokoto State University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, NTA Sokoto, Nagarta College, Rinjin Sambo area, and Amanawa community.

Prof. Muhammad Yerima, the acting Vice Chancellor, Sokoto State University, appreciated the FG’s initiative, noting that it would greatly enhance the university’s commitment to providing clean and hygienic water.

The VC described the minister as a worthy ambassador of the state and highlighted some of the university’s achievements since its establishment in 2014.

The minister signed the contract commencement agreement for the project in Goronyo Local Government Area, which will also benefit Gada, Wurno, Rabah, Gwadabawa, and Illela LGAs.