Sokoto Unveils Projects To Boost Education, Agriculture

Sokoto State Executive Council has approved a series of major developmental projects cutting across education, transport and agriculture, aimed at boosting human capital development, job creation and infrastructural upgrade across the state.

The approvals were announced by commissioners during a post-council briefing held in Sokoto, where key ministries presented memoranda that were subsequently ratified by the council under the leadership of Governor Ahmad Aliyu.

The Commissioner for Information, Hon. Sambo Danchadi, disclosed that the council approved the furnishing of a new library, two science laboratories and six classrooms aimed at enhancing science education across the state.

“The contract, awarded to Mes. Banda Nass of BBC Nigeria Limited, is valued at ₦122,937,000, with a three-month completion period,” he said, adding that the contractor is expected to provide a bank guarantee and adhere strictly to the timeline without any variation.

Elaborating on educational investments, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Abubakar Ala, said his ministry received approval for two key projects.

“The first is the renovation and rehabilitation of the Sokoto Education Resource Centre at a cost of ₦457,773,863. The contract was awarded to the contractor with a completion period of six months and a 30 percent mobilisation fee to be paid upon provision of a bank guarantee.

“The second project involves the procurement of 230 sewing machines and 230 knitting machines to train 460 youths and women across all 23 local government areas.

“This project is a collaborative effort between the Sokoto State government and UNICEF, aimed at empowering the youth and women through vocational training. The contract was awarded to MS Azura Nigeria Limited at the cost of ₦69 million, with a two-month timeline for delivery and training commencement.”

Also, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Tukur Alkali, revealed that the council approved ₦1.87 billion for the procurement and subsidised distribution of assorted fertilisers, including Urea and NPK, to support farmers during the current farming season. The contract was awarded to Malam Alu Agro-Allied Company.

“Samadji Global Investment Limited was awarded a contract worth ₦96,995,000 for the supply of assorted seeds and agrochemicals to farmers across the state.”

Alkali further announced the approval of ₦89,983,200 for the procurement of instructional materials to facilitate the accreditation of the College of Agriculture in Wurno local government area.

The Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Bala Mohammed Kokani, also disclosed that the council approved the landscaping and construction of continental wavelength works at the Sokoto State Transport Establishment (SSTE) located in Tasha Alu in the metropolis.

The project, worth ₦261,026,211, was awarded to M.S. HQ Solution Global Investment Nigeria Limited. It is expected to be completed within four months, with 30 percent mobilisation to be paid upon submission of a valid bank guarantee.