By Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has commissioned a series of major development projects in Ilela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The projects, executed by the Sokoto State Government in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Government, and other development partners, include 100 housing units for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), a Climate Peace Hub, a solar mini-grid, and the Ilela International Cattle Market.
The commissioning ceremony formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.
Speaking at the event, Governor Zulum said he was honoured to witness the projects, describing them as landmark interventions aimed at improving citizens’ welfare and promoting sustainable development in Sokoto State.
He commended the UNDP, the German Government, and other development partners for their continued support to Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected regions, noting that their interventions had contributed significantly to recovery and stabilisation efforts across the country.
Zulum expressed appreciation for the support of international partners, saying he was pleased to see similar development initiatives benefiting the people of Sokoto State.
He observed that insecurity in the North-West had created humanitarian and economic challenges, stressing that military action alone could not resolve the crisis.
According to him, lasting peace can only be achieved through a combination of security measures and socio-economic interventions that address poverty, unemployment, and vulnerability.
“It is our sincere belief that kinetic measures alone will never end insurgency. Addressing the social and economic impacts of the crisis remains critical to achieving lasting peace and stability,” he stated.
Zulum described the newly commissioned housing estate as a vital intervention that would restore dignity and hope to displaced families, while the Climate Peace Hub and solar mini-grid would strengthen resilience and improve access to essential services.
He also praised the Ilela International Cattle Market, noting that it would boost economic activities, enhance cross-border trade, and create new opportunities for residents.
In a strong political endorsement, Zulum commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his performance in office, describing him as one of the best-performing governors in Nigeria and recommending him for a second term.
“I want to announce to the people of Sokoto State that Governor Ahmed Aliyu has performed beyond our expectations. Indeed, he is one of the best-performing governors in Nigeria.
“I recommend him for a second term and beyond because of the good work he has been doing for the people of Sokoto State,” Zulum declared.
He also commended Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for his leadership and role in mentoring the current administration, stating that the decision to support Ahmed Aliyu’s emergence as governor had proven to be the right one.
Earlier, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the housing project was developed in partnership with the UNDP to provide safe and permanent shelter for persons displaced by insecurity, flooding, and other natural disasters.
Aliyu noted that Sokoto State experienced severe flooding in 2024 and 2025, affecting about 20 local government areas and displacing many residents, particularly in Ilela, where numerous families were forced into temporary camps located in schools.
He explained that, in response, the government partnered with development agencies to construct the housing estate, providing a more dignified and permanent living environment for affected families.
In addition, he announced a N500,000 grant for each beneficiary household as start-up capital to enable them establish businesses and become self-reliant.
The governor further revealed that the administration had consistently supported displaced persons over the past three years through the provision of food items, clothing, building materials, and cash assistance.
He added that a dedicated department under the Office of the Special Adviser on IDPs had been established to ensure continuous engagement and timely interventions.
He disclosed that additional housing units would be constructed for displaced persons in other parts of the state, especially communities affected by banditry and insecurity.
Governor Aliyu also highlighted other ongoing projects in Ilela, including the Climate Peace Hub, a 22-kilowatt solar mini-grid, and the rehabilitation of the international cattle market.
According to him, these projects are designed to strengthen climate resilience, promote peaceful coexistence, and improve economic activities in the area.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda and commended UNDP officials, including Ashraf Osman, Nuredin Salih, and Sali Musa, for their contributions to the successful implementation of the projects.
Also speaking, the German Ambassador to Nigeria announced an additional €3 million funding support from the German Government to strengthen peacebuilding, recovery, and resilience programmes in Sokoto and other parts of North-West Nigeria.
He explained that the support builds on earlier interventions implemented through the North-West Prevention Facility, covering Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, and Niger states.
The ambassador noted that the success of the projects in Ilela demonstrated the value of collaboration among governments, development partners, and local communities.
He added that lessons from earlier stabilisation efforts in Borno State under Governor Zulum had informed ongoing interventions in the North-West.
The envoy further confirmed Germany’s readiness to expand support to additional local government areas, including Rabah, with a focus on community recovery, resilience, and the resettlement of displaced persons.
Describing the housing project as a symbol of hope, the ambassador said it provides shelter, dignity, and a pathway to stability for displaced families.
He also commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s leadership and commitment to development and peacebuilding in Sokoto State.