From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sokoto Advancement Forum (SAF) has been barred from holding its planned one-day brainstorming session on drug abuse in Sokoto.
The Secretary of the forum, Alhaji Malami Ladan, a retired Permanent Secretary, disclosed this in a statement issued over the weekend.
According to him, the programme was scheduled to take place at Sokoto Guest Inn Ltd, located along Kalambaina Road, but was abruptly cancelled following a directive allegedly from higher authorities.
“We write to apologise to all those who came to attend the session at Sokoto Guest Inn Ltd.
“It is pertinent to mention that all necessary arrangements were made for the conduct of the programme. However, late in the evening on Friday, May 1, 2026, the management of the hotel informed us that the programme would no longer hold,” Ladan said.
He further explained that the hotel refunded the fees already paid for the venue and cited instructions from “the powers-that-be” as the reason for the cancellation.
“In light of this development, the Executive Council of the Sokoto Advancement Forum tenders its apology to all participants and regrets any inconvenience caused by the postponement,” he added.
Despite the setback, Ladan reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to contributing to the development of Sokoto State.
“The forum remains non-partisan and will continue to seek the support of government and patriotic citizens in achieving its objectives. We will remain focused and undeterred by any form of misrepresentation,” he said.
When contacted, the hotel management confirmed that it refunded the payment made for the venue.
The Halls Manager, Alhaji Abdallah Dankane, however, declined to provide further details on the reason behind the cancellation.