From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
A passionate appeal has been made to the residents of Sokoto State to take full advantage of, own, and protect the developmental projects being executed at various levels of government in their respective communities.
Comrade Usman Muhammed Binji, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, made the appeal during a comprehensive tour of development projects executed by both the state and local governments in the state.
Binji emphasized the significance of the communities taking ownership of the initiatives for lasting impact and rapid development of the state.
The week-long exercise, which kicked off with visits to Sokoto South and Sokoto North Local Government Areas, is part of efforts by the union to provide journalists with firsthand experience of how public resources are being utilized, while also promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Speaking at the flag-off, stakeholders described the initiative as timely, noting that journalists play a crucial role in deepening citizens’ understanding of governance and fostering community participation in development efforts.
In Sokoto South Local Government, the NUJ team inspected several projects executed under the leadership of Mallam Ya’u Muhammad Danda, including the construction and renovation of Islamiyya schools, installation of solar-powered streetlights, and construction of concrete pathways in various communities.
Projects undertaken by the State Government in the same area include renovation and provision of state-of-the-art equipment at Yar’akija primary health center, the Mabera and Tamaje road networks, the Tamaje Water Scheme, and other infrastructural upgrades aimed at improving living conditions for residents.
Beneficiaries of the projects expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and commended both the state and local authorities for their efforts in delivering community-based infrastructure that directly improves lives.
Similarly, in Sokoto North Local Government, the inspection covered notable development projects executed by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, and the Local Government Council Chairman Jamilu Umar Gosta.
The projects include the reconstruction of Kofar Taramniya Gate and Roundabout, concrete walkways in Gidan Igwai and adjoining areas, solar-powered streetlights, and the Runjin Sambo road network, which links the bustling Ramin Kura market.
Representatives of the local councils and party leaders who received the journalists at various sites reiterated their commitment to maintaining the projects and ensuring they serve the intended communities effectively.
The Chairman of the NUJ, Sokoto State Council, Usman Mohammed Binji, praised both tiers of government for granting journalists access to assess the projects.
He emphasized that the inspection was not only about reporting achievements but also about promoting accountability, transparency, and community engagement.
He further appealed to residents to take ownership of public facilities in their domains, stressing that only collective responsibility can ensure their sustainability for future generations.
The NUJ project inspection tour is expected to continue in the coming days, covering other Local Government Areas across the state where similar development efforts are underway.