Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of State,

Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko People's Governor and Silent Achiever

November/December 2014 1 Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of , Nigeria The material for the Spotlight was prepared by Sokoto Liberal Democrats Media Foundation (SOLID) with input from Africa Link. [email protected]

People’s Governor and Silent Achiever

He has a mission! A mission to impro- ve the lot of the people of Sokoto State, and he is “committed to this mission to the best of my ability” he told Africa Link recently. To those who see his per- formance as exemplary, and feel he has done more than they ever bargained for he has this to say: “If they feel I have done more than my best, I still belie- ve I’m doing what is expected of me to truly and sincerely serve my people wit- hout any limit, and to improve on their standard of living.”

He has faithfully been on the right path. No wonder his people support him wholeheartedly in his mission describing him to Africa Link as the “people’s governor, a silent achiever” and his administration as a “welfare government.” Since Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko ascended the mantle of power in Sokoto State in May 2007 he has remained committed to the improvement of the lot of the State in all its ramifications. He has identified projects relevant to the fulfilment of those electoral promises he made to the people of the state Former president of Nigeria, Chief laying the foundation of the second phase extension of and has been quietly and successfully executing them. secretariat. It is most significant to note that he clearly identified projects that would markedly impact the When the administration adopted a bottom up deve- the establishment of cottage industries and direct rural population. These have tremendously touched lopment strategy, it was a deliberate and aggressive intervention to prop up commercial activities in the lives of rural dwellers. When looked at closely his tactic to open up the rural areas where over 80% of the rural areas. The latter is being done through strategy could be aptly described as “bottom up”. But the population lives. revolving loans to traders. No doubt these projects the Governor has not just focussed on the rural areas. A close look at the state will show why the trans- have provided employment to thousands of people The state’s urban and semi-urban centres have equally formation of the rural areas has been capital intensive and have even encouraged those in urban centres to benefited from diverse strategic development projects. because of the hitherto lack of basic infrastructure. migrate to the rural areas. One could see his administration’s subtle and And in this spotlight some of the projects impacted Moreover, the youth in rural areas have been swift execution of his development and other projects on the majority of the state’s population would be engaged in one of the administration’s pet ‘Skills in the state. On many occasions his aides were short of identified. Once all these projects are in place, culmi- Acquisition Programme’ which has been keeping words in realizing the pace at which he accomplishes nating with an equitable distribution of amenities them busy and away from trouble. All told, these projects in various places that were not announced throughout the state, they will contribute towards efforts contribute to fight against poverty that through them. This explains why he is a perfor- reducing the burden of urban migration. This will should raise the development index of the State in ming governor whose intention is to leave positive eventually lead to increased agricultural production fair assessment. indelible marks in the sands of the development of on which the population will fall back on without A lot has been done by way of execution of projects Sokoto State. having to look outside for it, and at affordable price. that alleviate the hardship of the people and improve His conscientious efforts will be there for poste- In addition to infrastructure, Wamakko admi- their lot thus the kudos for the governor. rity. The Sarkin Yamman Sokoto has surpassed every nistration has also been providing basic necessities of Space does not allow presenting all the achieve- other administration in opening Sokoto State to the life in the rural areas such as qualitative and quantity ments recorded by Governor Wamakko however modern world. He believes in evidence, not rhetoric. education and healthcare delivery services. some of the achievements under four areas would However, even though he is a “silent achiever” and As could be seen in the various projects, the state’s be addressed in this spotlight. They are Healthcare his administration “welfare one” it is believed that road networks, agricultural development through Services; Eradicating Poverty Through Education; the world should be informed through the necessary irrigation schemes for farmers, the provision of water Development of Rural Infrastructure; Finding Future media of the indefatigable Governor’s achievements. and electricity using solar systems have encouraged For The Youth.

2 November/December 2014 Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, Nigeria Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Gouverneur du peuple et gagneur discret

Il a une mission! Celle d’améliorer le sort du peuple de l’État de Sokoto, et il est dédié « à cette mission au mieux de [ses] compétences », a t-il récemment déclaré à Africa Link. Pour ceux qui jugent ses résultats exemplaires et ont l’impression qu’il a accompli plus que prévu, il répond: «S’ils pensent que j’ai fait plus que de mon mieux, je persiste à croire que je n’ai fait que ce que l’on attendait de moi pour servir mon peu- ple de façon vraie et sincère, sans la moindre limite, et pour améliorer son niveau de vie.

Il est fidèlement resté sur le droit chemin. Il n’est donc pas étonnant que son peuple le soutienne sans réserve dans sa mission et le décrive à Africa Link comme le « gouverneur du peuple, un gagneur discret » et son administration comme « le gouvernement du Le Gouverneur Wamakko montre à Johnson Oduwaiye, rédacteur en chef d'Africa Link, le travail réalisé sur bien-être social ». l'extension du secrétariat d'Usman Faruk, deuxième phase. Depuis son ascension au pouvoir dans l’État de Sokoto en mai 2007, le Gouverneur Aliyu Magata- moderne. Il croit aux faits, et non à la rhétorique. Comme on a pu le constater dans les divers karda Wamakko est resté engagé à améliorer le sort de Cependant, même s’il est un « gagneur discret » et projets, le réseau routier de l’État, le développement l’État dans toutes ses ramifications. Il a déterminé les son administration une administration de « bien-être agricole par le biais de plans d’irrigation destinés aux projets liés à la tenue des promesses électorales faites social », les gens sont d’avis que le monde devrait être fermiers et l’alimentation en eau et en électricité par au peuple et les a exécutés avec discrétion et succès. informé des prouesses de l’infatigable gouverneur par des systèmes solaires ont encouragé l’établissement Il est particulièrement significatif de noter qu’il voie médiatique obligée. Lorsque l’administration d’industries artisanales et le soutien direct aux activi- a clairement identifié ceux qui allaient toucher la a adopté une stratégie de développement de bas en tés commerciales en zone rurale. Pour ces dernières, population rurale de façon marquée. Ces projets ont haut, il s’agissait d’une tactique délibérée et agressive l’intervention se manifeste par l’octroi de crédits eu un impact considérable sur la vie des habitants pour ouvrir les régions rurales où résident plus de 80 renouvelables aux négociants. Il ne fait aucun doute de la campagne. Lorsqu’on l’examine de près, il % de la population. que ces projets ont fourni du travail à des milliers de conviendrait de dire de sa stratégie qu’elle procède Un examen minutieux de l’État montrerait gens, voire encouragé des citadins à migrer vers les « de bas en haut ». Mais le gouverneur ne s’est pas en quoi la transformation des zones rurales a été zones rurales. contenté de concentrer son attention sur les régions exigeante en investissements, en raison même Par ailleurs, dans celles-ci, les jeunes ont été rurales. Les centres urbains et semi-urbains de l’État du manque d’infrastructures élémentaires jusqu’à impliqués dans l’un des programmes phares de ont également bénéficié de divers projets de dévelop- présent. Sous cet angle de vue, certains des projets l’administration – le Programme d’acquisition de pement stratégique. dont les répercussions ont touché la majorité de la compétences – qui les a occupés et tenus à l’écart Leur exécution subtile et rapide par son admi- population de l’État seraient identifiés. Dès lors que des problèmes. Globalement, ces efforts contribuent nistration, ainsi que celle d’autres projets, ont été tous ces projets seront en place, dont le point d’orgue à la lutte contre la pauvreté et devraient faire grimper visibles au sein de l’État. À de nombreuses reprises, sera une répartition équitable des services partout l’indice de développement de l’État dans une bonne ses assistants se sont trouvés à court de mots pour dans l’État, ils contribueront à alléger le fardeau de la mesure. décrire le rythme auquel il a mis en œuvre des migration urbaine. Ceci aura pour finalité d’augmen- Grâce à la mise en œuvre de projets, bien des projets dont l’annonce ne passait pas par eux. Ceci ter la production agricole sur laquelle la population choses ont été accomplies pour alléger le malheur explique pourquoi nous avons affaire à un gouverneur pourra s’appuyer sans devoir faire appel à l’extérieur, du peuple et améliorer son sort, d’où le prestige du performant, dont l’intention est de laisser des traces et ceci à un prix abordable. gouverneur. positives et indélébiles en matière de développement En plus de l’infrastructure, l’administration Faute d’espace, il n’est pas possible de présen- de l’État de Sokoto. Wamakko a également pourvu aux besoins essentiels ter ici tous les accomplissements du Gouverneur Ses efforts consciencieux iront à la postérité. de la vie dans les régions rurales, tant en quantité Wamakko. Toutefois, ses réussites dans quatre L’administration Sarkin Yamman Sokoto a surpassé qu’en qualité, notamment dans les domaines de domaines seront traitées dans ce Focus (voir version toutes les autres en ouvrant l’État de Sokoto au monde l’éducation et des services de santé. anglaise). Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, Nigeria

The gate of the State University Lecture Halls of the University

grossly inadequate. The authorities used this upward FIGHTING POVERTY THROUGH thrust in students’ registration to renovate and expand 30 existing secondary schools to include not EDUCATION only classrooms but also hostels, libraries, workshops, staff quarters and other amenities for their smooth running. And to enhance the quality of education, For any society that hopes to blossom in future, that society must have sound educated the government reinforced its inspectorate capacity youth and this eventually means investing in education. In his two terms as governor with staff increase as well as the tools to work with. of Sokoto State, Governor Aliyu Wamakko made education one of his key priorities. The inspectorate was provided with vehicles that First of all the government declared a state of emergency in the sector and committed allows them to tour and inspect all the institutions between 27 and 30 per cent of the state’s budget on education alone. in the state hitch free. Teacher-student ratio had to follow the increase The state of emergency meant that education was sarily mean the parents would send their children to in students. The government therefore recruited taken to a level never witnessed in the state. Schools school because they would first think of the cost of 1'000 teachers for secondary schools, 700 for TSB, were built and fully equipped; those is sorry state were school fees, uniforms, shoes and even food for the 172 for SSCOE and 192 for Arabic and Islamic renovated, tertiary institutions established, teachers’ children while at school. To many parents the cost Education Board. salaries were reviewed considerably, scholarships would be too expensive and to a large extent unaffor- Given the largely rural population of the state and were awarded to students both within and out of the dable. To address this issue the government abolished that electricity is not always available in the far flung country and vocational institutions popped up. For school fees across the board making it the first state areas, some of the schools were provided with heavy those schools with boarding facilities, the government to do so in the Federation. It also provided school duty generators to supplement the state electricity furnished the homes with beds and mattresses, feeding facilities to ease the burden of the largely supply. This is the case for mainly secondary schools blankets, mosquito nets and even uniforms to girls rural population. For those Sokoto State indigenes with boarding facilities in 20 localities. in secondary schools. Some schools were also pro- in higher educational institutions out of the state, Sokoto State is a large producer of livestock vided with television and DVD players as a means the government ensured that their registration and and the cattle herders are generally nomadic. So as of creating an atmosphere where education will be all other fees were paid for by the authorities. they move with their wives and children they were blended with social activities without having to leave Prior to this dispensation the state authorities catered for by the Wamakko administration with a the campus. ensured that fees for all Post- graduate indigenes thoroughly mapped out programme. Nine nomadic For those schools with broken down boreholes, within and out of the country were paid for from schools were rehabilitated and new ones constructed the government repaired them and improved on the government’s coffers. As a boost to the health throughout the state at the cost of N13m their services. This is the case in Illela, , sector, the government is fully sponsoring 30 medical Young girls were not to be left out as they occupy Dogondaji, , Doronyo and Isa. students at Albion College in London to the tune a special place in the state’s education programmes. In the past, dedicated teachers bought basic tea- of N250 million. There are other medical students For the Girls Education Project (GEP) the govern- ching materials out of their own pockets to facilitate doing consultancy programmes both in the United ment has been working with donor agencies in the their jobs. Those that were unable to do so just did Kingdom and in Malaysia. Ten students are pursuing campaign for the girl child education. Together with not use any such materials. Conscious that such accountancy courses for their ACCA diploma also the Nomadic Education and the Agency for Mass practices were detrimental to the progress of both in London. There are 84 students currently at the Education the authorities bought and distributed 18 the teachers as well as their students, the government Nigeria Maritime Academy and the African Mari- new vehicles to enhance their programmes. It also seamlessly addressed the issue by purchasing and time Academy under full scholarship. In the area of bought seven new vehicles and repaired 31 others for distributing all teaching materials including text and aviation, 25 students are being fully sponsored at the other schools in the state.. exercise books, computers and accessories and science School of Aviation in Zaria at the cost of N80million. By 2013 the state boasted of 14,477 students laboratory materials to all the learning institutions With such development, it was evident that in higher institutions within Nigeria and 230 in that needed them. student registration was going to increase drastically universities overseas with the hope of that number Equipping these institutions alone did not neces- to a point where existing intuitions would become increasing within the coming years. Globally the

4 November/December 2014 Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, Nigeria Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, NigeriaLEAD

The hostel of the School of Developmental Studies A fly-over bridge in Sokoto city also built by Wamakko administration

government has spent more than N5bn on students’ tels, Senate building, Vice Chancellor’s residence, that will serve as a feeder to the university. scholarships, tuition, welfare packages and other and 100 staff houses. The library, computer room, Such investments do not yield immediate fruits. incidentals. and science laboratories are all ready to function. They are like insurance that look mainly to the All schools under the ministry of Science and Construction work is in earnest on the roads, electri- future. Now that they have taken hold the likelihood Technical Education have full internet connection. city and water supplies and other essential amenities is that those who are benefitting from them will not The sporting prowess of the state also caught the for the running of the university. But perhaps most leave them to fallow. If anything they will continue attention of the administration as they want to deve- remarkable is the fact that the principal officials are to improve on them to make Sokoto State one of the lop it from grassroots level. Against this backdrop the already in place. In addition to this university is the cynosures of education in Nigeria. Sokoto State government has made it mandatory to establishment of School of Developmental Studies provide sporting materials to schools as well as to attract more sports teachers into the state. The dividends of these investments are glaring for all to see. A huge number of Sokoto State indigenes are now to be found in in universities and other training institutions all around the federation. They go for such institutions as the School of preliminary and Extra Mural studies, FUT, Minna in State, the School of Basic and remedial studies at the University in Zaria. In the State itself courses have evolved at the Shehu Shagari College of Education which now offer degrees in 17 courses in Education and twelve Higher National Diploma courses have also been approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE When the idea of a State University was mooted, the Wamakko administration came under some harsh criticism for various reasons bordering on finances and priorities. But today, a huge chunk of this project is in place and ready for full functioning. These include fully furnished male and female hos- One of the newly renovated and expanded secondary schools

November/December 2014 5 Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, Nigeria

medical and allied students from the state studying in Nigerian universities have been put on salary HEALTHCARE DELIVERY scale Grade Level 07 at 400 level. Nursing and midwifery students are on salary grade 04. These With the cliché “Health is wealth” as a backdrop, Governor Aliyu Wamakko emoluments are meant to motivate the would-be made health one of his administration’s cornerstones for the development of the healthcare professionals. Other workers in the state. Thus since he took up office his administration has invested over seven billi- health field were not left out in the cold. Their on Naira (N7bn) in the health sector alone. salaries were reviewed upwards to enhance moti- vation and dedication to service. The Drugs Revolving Fund which had been This money has been spent on constructing new Dole, Araba, Ummaruma, Durbawa, Dingyadi, dormant was resuscitated and it was through this health facilities, purchasing medical equipment, Tsamiya and Salame. scheme that drugs worth N100 million were pur- medicines and other health materials necessary Without trained personnel, making these chased and supplied to hospitals, health centres and for the smooth running of the healthcare system. structures optimal will be farfetched. It is against other public clinics throughout the state. The authorities purchased eight utility vehicles, this backdrop that the Wamakko administration The Wamakko government’s support towards 17 ambulances and a number of motor cycles to sought to improve medical training by first reha- immunisation programmes aimed at improving enable health workers reach every corner of the bilitating and upgrading the school of nursing and maternal and child health in the state has been state. It further procured 30 mobile clinics and also midwifery and the Sultan Abdurraman School inexorable. This support goes beyond financial ensured that water and sanitary needs to some of of Health and Technology, both in . contributions. For instance, the government the existing hospitals are in place. mobilised and continues to mobilise political office The authorities did not only concentrate on new Those medical and allied holders and senior government functionaries to projects. They completed ongoing work left by the sensitise residents in their constituencies on the previous administration at the general hospitals in students from the state studying need for immunisation against poliomyelitis and , Illela, Yabo and Gada. Clinics that were in Nigerian universities have other killer diseases. In particular, they have been in a state of upgrading also attracted attention as encouraging would-be mothers to get their child- was the case for those in Sabo Birni, Gwadabo been put on salary scale Grade ren immunised for such diseases like tuberculosis, and Balle. In the case of the Amanawa Leprosium Level 07 at 400 level. measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) Specialists hospitals, it was rehabilitated to cater and tetanus which are usually referred to as DPT for more patients. Given that villages are far apart vaccines. These vaccines are usually administered and residents will need medical attention of all To boost this sector’s manpower development to infants before they are six months old. This sorts, the government also constructed Primary the government is sponsoring 40 state indigenes support has attained a resounding success and the Healthcare Centres at Romon Liman, Sabo Garin in medical schools abroad. That is not all. Those state is now ranked as having the second lowest incidence of the diseases in Northwest Nigeria. In the area of drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIS), the govern- ment continues to provide logistics for a series of aggressive awareness campaigns that have been hugely successful. The campaigns’ aim is to, among things, dissuade self medication which eventually leads to drug abuse and inform the sexually active citizens on the risks of being contaminated by the HIV virus and the precautions to take. Funds for these campaigns have been coming from partners like the World Bank, the various United Nations programmes, the Sokoto Health System Deve- lopment Project 11, Eye-care project, HIV/AIDS projects, Rollback Malaria and the Reproductive Health Project. Pregnant women have also come in for review within the healthcare system. They receive free pre and post natal care. Under the FREMCARE programme, mother and child up to the age of five benefit from free customised drugs and diagnostic services. This is effective in all the 17 general hospi- tals and ten primary health care centres across the A Primary Health Centre newly upgraded to General Hospital in Shagari LGA state and is being supervised by the state’s ministry

6 November/December 2014 Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, Nigeria Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, Nigeria

of health. With this programme in place, the num- ment Areas. In conjunction with the Yakubu for drug purchasing. The scheme is fully supported ber of pregnant women attending the anti-natal Gowan Centre, UNICEF delivered N1.2bn insecti- by mobile clinics and ambulances. clinics has increased significantly. cide treated mosquito nets which were distributed Between 2007 and 2011 a total of 8,713 cataract, Sokoto state was one among six in the country to every household in the state as a part of the 20,131 trachoma and 78 Glaucoma surgeries were that was selected to implement the United Nation’s Wamakko administration’s effort in controlling successfully performed on patients in the state. Millennium Development Goals (MDG)/NHIS malaria. This is in addition to the screening of 202,507 and maternal and childcare projects for pregnant The state now boasts of an orthopaedic hos- treatment of 340,725 patients for river blindness in women and under fives. With its N700m budget, pital at Wamakko. This hospital was formerly a 15 communities in the Local Government the project is targeting 100,000 beneficiaries within primary healthcare centre but was equipped and Area during the same period. a two-year period. Another N303m was set aside for upgraded at the cost of N459, 779,859.67. The For this to happen there is a need for trained the malaria control project. Part of this money was administration is currently completing the Murtala staff. The government has trained five ophthal- used for the purchasing of malaria drugs. Mohammad Specialists’ Hospital at the cost of N1, mologists, 20 ophthalmic nurses, 2,687 commu- Given the progress made in the state healthcare 3832, 493,749.50. nity health extension workers school teachers, delivery system, the United Nations Population Since coming to power in 2007, the Wamakko volunteers and 13 Lid surgeons. Fund, UNFPA saw it fit to upgrade its offices in administration has constructed 230 type B primary The success in these programmes was the basis the state to a zonal office to cover Kebbi, Zamfara health centres across the state. for the state being chosen as a zonal headquarters and Katsina states for the agency’s sixth country In addition to the existing school of midwifery, for eye care programme for seven states in North programme. the administration is currently constructing a new Western Nigeria. The state also has a memorandum of Unders- one at . In certain cases where patients cannot get the tanding (MoU) with the Non Governmental Orga- Under the Rural Mobile Medical Care or needed health treatment in the state and indeed nisation, Medicins Sans Frontiere (MSF) Holland RUMCARE, the state government’s health team the country as a whole, the state government has for its maternal child healthcare and nutritition headed by doctors make it a point of duty to visit endeavoured to sponsor patients for overseas treat- programme in Goronyo Local Government Area. one community every week in each of the three ments in such countries as India and Egypt. Such The United Nations Children’s Fund’s senatorial zones. This means they are visiting up treatments have cost the government N24,287,007. (UNICEF) nutrition support project is in Sabo to 156 villages in a year. RUMCARE has so far re- In 2012 alone, the administration spent N2.9 Birni, Isa, Gada, Illela and Tangaza Local Govern- ceived financial support of up to N42,000,000.00 billion in its health services. RURAL DEVELOPMENT: WATER, ELECTRICITY AND ROADS Driving through Sokoto town at night is such a pleasure as the main streets are people in the rural areas would be migrating into all so illuminated that some drivers even use their park lights, in their words, the main cities in their quest for a much needed “to save our batteries” when cruising at night. Whether it is batteries or not one comfort. The major cities would then be doomed hardly needs full beam lights because of the clarity of the well paved roads. to overcrowding leading to an overstretched use of utilities. This was also bound to reduce agricultural These street lights are solar powered and so supply, and has had a huge success. production – as most rural dwellers are into agricul- ecologically friendly. Solar energy is also being With such ease of life in the capital and other ture – as well as shore up an imbalance in revenue used in other parts of the state for electricity major cities in the state, it was obvious that allocation all of which the government was not

One of the 350 housing units built for 2010 flood victims at Tsaro village Forty housing units built in each of the 23 LGAs in Gada LGA

November/December 2014 7 Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, Nigeria

going to find easy to contain and eventually control. with a capacity of 10,000 each. The Wamakko administration was not going to By the end of 2009 the government had spent let this happen and an instant response was to cater a total of N510,376,963.00 on water supply alone. for the rural areas with the provision of good roads, This amount has subsequently and conti- potable water and electricity supplies, water for nuously increased on an annual basis with the irrigation, health facilities, schools, small scale installation of new and modern water schemes industries, training centres for the rural women, to cover the entire state. Most of the schemes the youth and even men. are solar powered with overhead tanks. Today Sokoto state is a near desert and water pro- the citizenry of the state can safely say that vision needs deep bore holes. And with villages even during the dry season they are enjoying far apart, hand pumps would be the most appro- a significantly improved water supply both for priate form of water supply. The government first drinking and other purposes. started by reactivating already installed hand pumps on a state-wide basis in 2009 and spent RURAL ROADS N9.5 million on 46 of them. Then it went on to Talk to any visitor to the state and they will purchase drilling chemicals for another N9.5m attest to the good state and continuous improved which was used to connect 89 water schemes for road network in Sokoto state. a total of N112m. The government’s first concentration was on Similar water schemes were extended to feeder roads that are used for the transportation Salame, Tungar, Malam Rashidu and Binga in of agricultural and other products from farmlands One of the water reservoirs built in the state’s LGAs the Gwadabawa Local Government and at Yaka to main roads or the desired markets. To date the and Karfen Chana in the Local Govern- administration has spent more than N1bn on such the state including the -Inname road, Gwa- ment area. For Tangaza, Rabah and Local roads. Some of them include the 33km Dogon dabawa-Chancha road, Katsira-Takakume road, Government areas the authorities constructed Daji-Salah-Sanyinna and Yabo-Bingaje-Fakka Durbawa-Mallamawa road, Dange-Wababe road, solar water schemes and erected 50 water tanks axis. Another set of 500km feeder roads all around Dogon-Daji-Nabaguda road, Mallawa to Tsamiya

Former president Olusegun Obasanjo (2nd right) commissioning multi billion naira Asari water treatment plant in Sokoto.

8 November/December 2014 Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, Nigeria Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Dole and Kagara in the Goronyo Local Govern- ment Area. Where the govern- ment did not provide power supply through the established grid, it bought heavy duty generators that are ser- ving establishments like schools, universities, hospitals and health centres. What these various projects did beyond sa- tisfying the basic need of the people was that they provided employ- ment opportunities for the hitherto unemployed youths who used the op- portunity to acquire on- the-job skills which will serve them in the future. Besides food manufactu- Newly built presidential lodge rers and other industrial producers do not now have road, Mai-Kulki-Kalgo-Alelu road, Dagawa- were receiving boost in their chequered electrify to set up their industries in the main cities Asarara-Dandin Mahe-Horo road were identified supplies. Thus Sokoto town itself was being alone. It will in fact be cheaper and more pro- and completed. beautified with fresh street lighting projects fitable for them to produce locally and sell top There were other rural roads which have and constant electricity supplies to a number markets beyond their area with ease. now opened small towns to major cities and of housing estates. With the completion of the IPP 300 Me- construction works on these roads are still The state took over electrification projects gawatt ready for commission, Gov Wamakko on. The city roads were not only repaired, the that were abandoned by the Federal Govern- would be leaving a legacy that will take time authorities have been engaged in decongesting ment especially those in Gorao, Sabon Garin for any successor to outdo. the cities by constructing bypass highways. The Eastern Byepass to Kurfi, the 8 km. Kwanar kimba Zamau; the 13km Wamakko main road to Wajekke for example are among those that have been completed.

ELECTRICITY In the pursuit of one of his electoral promises to provide electricity all over the state under his poverty reduction policy Governor Aliyu Wamakko has ensured that that part of the bar- gain was being followed to the letter. What the administration first did was to complete those projects that it inherited and connected additional 143 towns/villages to the national grid. In 2009 alone 150 more towns and villages were provided with electricity supply under a new project. By 2012 more rural electrification projects were executed to the tune of over a billion Naira. Most of these rural electrification works were going on at the same time as the major cities Former President commissioning the newly built presidential lodge

November/December 2014 9 50 taxies provided by the government to ease transportation problem within Sokoto Also 150 tricycle cars purchased by the Sokoto state government to ease metropolis transportation problem.

Former president Ibrahim Babangida commissioning newly constructed Agricultural A large consignment of fertilizer purchased by the administration for farmers skills acquisition centres.

146 units of tractors purchased to assist farmers Talata – Mafara road, one of the many roads projects.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (l) paid a courtesy call at HRH Sa'adu Governor Wamakko flanked by former Nigeria’s Military Heads of State, on the Abubakar III the Sultan of Sokoto. right, Mohammad Buhari and on the left, Abdussalam Abubakar

Some of the equipment the administration provided to develop news media in the state.

10 November/December 2014 Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, Nigeria

calls ‘Skills Acquisition Programmes’ which, in EMPOWERING THE YOUTH the short time that they have existed, have been providing a leeway for the youth in the state. The programmes are run under the ministries Skills acquisition could be easily equa- Universities and other higher institutions of for youth and sports, social welfare as well as the ted with gainful employment. Who is learning have been churning out graduates but poverty reduction agency. They are to be found better to receive those badly needed experts argue that the institutions’ curricula do not all over the state. skills in a society than the youth? They make for job providers but rather job seekers. This In order for the programmes to be effective, the are youth today and will be the leaders means that at the end of their various trainings, government firstly ensured that they are properly of tomorrow. And with their well ac- graduates find it difficult to create jobs because of funded and the acquisition for the necessary tools quired skills their society will even be the lack of the requisite skills. They would then for their implementation was never a problem. better that that in which they live in start roaming the streets in search of jobs that do Youth are being trained in the areas of farming, today. not fit their profile. The inadequate number of shoe making and repairs, computer maintenance institutions that offer vocational training has been and repairs, mattress making, manufacture of Nigeria does not lack an educated youthful adding to this problem. pomade, leather works and the repair of solar population. What it lacks are youth with enough With this as hindsight, the Aliyu Wamakko systems. These trades clearly demonstrate the needs skills that provide employment opportunities. administration in Sokoto State has successfully of the state. There is not much need for imported tackled this inadequacy by designing what it raw materials for most of the products on which they work. For instance, hides and skins are abun- dant in the state and the past most of them were being exported in their raw forms with hardly any added value. It is the same for mattresses as there is enough cotton for its fabrication. There are three skills acquisition centres that train the youth in modern farming techniques including animal rearing and poultry farming in the three senatorial zones in the state. In addi- tion to these centres there are specific centres for women in all the 23 local government areas in the state that train them in various trades and crafts while still in their matrimonial homes. They are being trained in hairdressing, catering and per- fume making. After their apprenticeship they are equipped with tools and start off funds to create their own business. Under the state poverty reduction programme launched by the administration, some male participants are seen The first batch of 150,000 youth were trained here taking part in mattress making project.

Governor Wamakko and his deputy inspecting some products produced by youth under poverty reduction programme.

November/December 2014 11 Spotlight on the achievements of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto State, Nigeria

in shoe and mattress making, repairs of solar Kadawa in to be trained in crop far- welding, plumping and auto mechanic. They join systems and computers and in the production of ming, animal husbandry and metal fabrication. another group of 5,750 that graduated in cooking other leather products such as handbags, chairs, On completion of their programme, they were pot, stove and paint making. wallets, jackets, gloves and belts which are all each given between N20, 000 and N100, 000 to There are other unconventional areas where exportable. kick start their own businesses. the state government also ventured into. These are The training of youth is not only concentrated Some 1,000 youth recently graduated through tree planting, first aid, sanitation, vigilante and in the state. Recently 200 youth were sent to the Ministry of Youth and Sports programme in crowd control. A total of 1,000 youths have been receiving training in these sectors and upon gra- duation they are assured of a ready employment within the 23 local government areas in the state. It has not been any surprise that the turnout at these training centres has been more than anticipated and the seriousness with which the youth have been employing themselves explain the desperate need for employment. With these training, there is hardly any doubt that they will be able to sustain themselves in the long term. This is another positive vibe that has come out of Sokoto State. Man of Honours

Women Trainees

Gov. Wamakko with the medal and certificate of Africa Link solidarity award, «Champion of Development 2010» Among many other awards are: GMON – Grand Member of the Order of Niger. MMEL – Member Muslim World League. MIIFE – Member International Islamic Foundation for Education. Fellow Certificate of Sokoto Polytechnic Politician of the Year 2013 by The Leadership Newspaper An Award of excellence by Governor of sinner in rep of Sudan. Productivity Award in 2004 by National Productive Centre. Merit Award for excellence by The Institute of Corporate Executives 2002. Senior fellowship Award by the Institute of charted Management auditors 2003 Fellow/distinguished Service Merit Award by The Institute of Corporate Executives of Nigeria 2003 Women participants in the programme display some Vaseline they produced

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