.By Muhammad Gazali GarbaS

okoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has expressed dismay over the slow pace of work on the Romo Bridge rehabilitation project and warned the contractor to expedite progress, stressing that the government will not tolerate any further delays in its completion.

The Governor issued the warning during an inspection of the project site, emphasizing the strategic importance of the bridge for commercial activities and the movement of goods and services in the area.

While expressing concern about the slow progress, Governor Aliyu also expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work done so far. “I am pleased with the standard of the construction carried out so far, but I urge the contractor to accelerate work to meet the deadline,” he said.

The Governor further directed the contractor to engage additional manpower and deploy more equipment to ensure the project is completed without any further delays.

In an earlier briefing, the project site engineer stated that the project involves the rehabilitation of Romo Bridge, the construction of two six-cell box culverts, two seven-cell box culverts, and retaining walls.

He explained that contract was awarded to Roads Nigeria in September 2024 at a cost of ₦2,968,770,828.15, out of which ₦1,484,385,414.07, representing 50 percent of the contract sum, has been released to the contractor.

The Managing Director of Roads Nigeria, who was present during the inspection, assured Governor Aliyu of the company’s commitment to completing the project within the stipulated timeline. He noted that additional equipment and workforce would be deployed immediately to accelerate the pace of work and meet the expectations of the state government.

The MD also reaffirmed the company’s dedication to maintaining high-quality standards throughout the construction process.

Governor Aliyu was on the inspection visit in the company of the state APC leader and Senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; former Deputy Governor, Barrister Muktari Shagari; Member representing Tangaza and Gudu Federal Constituency, Hon. Yakubu; Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Muhammad Bello Sifawa; Chief of Staff, Government House Sokoto; commissioners; special advisers; and other prominent personalities.

From M G Gazali

Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, on Friday morning, flagged off the 2026 Argungu Fishing Festival Motor Rally from Shehu Kangiwa Square, Sokoto, at about 9:30 a.m.

The rally, which commenced in Abuja, passed through Kano before arriving in Sokoto, where Governor Aliyu officially flagged off the final leg of the journey to Argungu in Kebbi State.

The colourful ceremony attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, security personnel, motor sports enthusiasts, and members of the public who gathered to witness the event.

Speaking shortly before the flag-off, Governor Aliyu described the Argungu Fishing Festival as a globally recognised cultural heritage event that promotes unity, tourism, and economic development.

He noted that the motor rally further strengthens inter-stateßa collaboration and adds glamour and excitement to the historic festival.

The Governor disclosed that the vehicles used in the race were manufactured in Nigeria, stressing that the initiative highlights the country’s growing capacity in automobile production and technological advancement.

Governor Aliyu also expressed appreciation to the Government of Kebbi State for giving him the honour of flagging off the final leg of the car race competition as part of the activities for the 2026 Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting cultural and sporting activities that positively engage youths, promote peaceful coexistence, and enhance regional integration.

Aliyu further urged all participants to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and safety measures throughout the journey to ensure a smooth and accident-free rally.

The Leader of the Organising Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Kukum, expressed gratitude to Governor Aliyu for his support and patronage.

He noted that the motor rally is a key component of the festival, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and promoting tourism in the region. Alhaji Kukum also welcomed all participants and spectators to the festival, promising an exciting and memorable experience.

He extended his congratulations to the eventual winner, saying, “We look forward to crowning a deserving champion, and to the winner, we say congratulations in advance – may the best driver win!”

The Argungu Fishing Festival, traditionally held in Argungu, Kebbi State, remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated cultural festivals, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond. With the motor rally underway, the stage is set for a thrilling competition – who will emerge victorious?

From M G Gazali

Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto,has decorated his orderly, Kasimu Umar, with his new rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), alongside eight other security personnel attached to the Government House, Sokoto.

Speaking shortly after the decoration ceremony, Governor Ahmed Aliyu charged the newly promoted officers to redouble their efforts in the discharge of their duties.

He urged them to uphold professionalism at all times and operate strictly within the ambit of the law.

The Governor described the newly decorated officers as hardworking, dedicated, and committed, and encouraged them to sustain the momentum in the service of the state and the nation.

“As security officers, you should bear in mind that promotion comes with greater responsibilities, which require increased commitment and dedication.

“You should also remember that you are representing not only your respective agencies but the nation as a whole. Therefore, we expect maturity, discipline, and professionalism in your future engagements,” the Governor added.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies with the necessary equipment and logistics to enable them to effectively checkmate the activities of bandits and other criminal elements in the state.

He also charged security agencies in the state to sustain their commitment to ensuring a peaceful and crime-free Sokoto State. The Governor solicited the continued support and cooperation of well-meaning citizens in assisting security agencies to achieve this objective.

Those promoted to new ranks include:

Isa Aliyu (NSCDC), promoted to Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC)
Yusuf Ibrahim, promoted from Assistant Superintendent of Corps II (ASC II) to Assistant Superintendent of Corps I (ASC I)
Inspector Ahmed Dahiru (Police), promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
Inspector Jummai Bulus, orderly to the wife of the Governor, promoted to ASP
Inspector Aliyu Umar, promoted to ASP
Inspector Chukwuma Nwabuokei, promoted to ASP
Inspector Hashimu Mohammad, promoted to ASP
Inspector Yahuza Mohammad, promoted to ASP

The Governor was assisted during the decoration ceremony by the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Akiru Ajayi, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sagir Isma’il.

The brief ceremony, which took place at the Governor’s Office, was attended by some aides to the Governor.

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).

The appointment is subject to the Senate’s approval in accordance with the provisions of section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2006.

According to the to Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga,  President Tinubu sent a letter today to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, requesting the expeditious confirmation of Ambassador Yusuf to replace Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned this week, after about 14 months in the post.

Ambassador Yusuf is a seasoned Nigerian career diplomat who served as the Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.

The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the circulation of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) in the state.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu gave the assurance during a meeting with the President, Global Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, held at the Government House, Sokoto.

The Governor stated that the state has adopted new strategies aimed at interrupting the transmission of Poliovirus Type 2 by 2026.

These strategies include intensified vaccination campaigns, enhanced disease surveillance, strengthened community engagement to address vaccine hesitancy, and sustained routine immunisation coverage to improve health outcomes.

According to him, the state government has released its Routine Immunisation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) counterpart fund for the year 2024 and reaffirmed its commitment to the timely payment of the fund to achieve the desired objectives.

“We have procured all the necessary equipment, including deep freezers, generators, and motorcycles, to ensure successful and hitch-free immunisation coverage across the state,” the Governor said.

Governor Aliyu also appealed for the extension of the Primary Health Care (PHC) MoU to consolidate existing gains and requested additional support towards reducing maternal and infant mortality in the state.

“In the last two years, we have recruited 1,500 nurses and midwives to ensure adequate manpower in our health facilities, including PHCs across the state,” he added.

He further disclosed that the state government has implemented a policy of mandatory two-year rural posting for health workers, including medical doctors, to PHCs in order to ensure improved and equitable service delivery.

Governor Aliyu expressed gratitude to development partners for their unwavering support towards promoting a healthy society in Sokoto State.

The meeting unanimously advocated the sustenance of partnerships and collaboration to achieve improved healthcare delivery in the state.

Those in attendance included Dr Chris Elias, President, Global Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Dr Ahmed Iya of the Dangote Foundation; Dr Uche, Programme Director, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Nigeria; officials of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), among others.

The Hajj E-Track Portal has been reopened for an additional seven days to enable the completion of data capturing for intending pilgrims.

This development provides a final opportunity for those affected to regularize their records and ensure their eligibility for the forthcoming Hajj exercise.

The reopening, according to the head of information and communications, Sokoto state
Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Faruku Umar, is
specifically intended for pilgrims who have already completed their payments and whose funds have been successfully reflected on the Nusuk Masar Portal, but whose passport data has not yet been captured on the E-Track system.

It is not a fresh registration window, but rather a corrective measure aimed at addressing pending documentation issues.

This extension underscores the commitment of the relevant authorities to ensuring that no duly registered and fully paid pilgrim is left out due to technical or administrative delays in passport data submission.

It also reflects a proactive approach to resolving discrepancies ahead of critical deadlines set by the Saudi authorities.

Affected intending pilgrims are therefore advised to urgently liaise with their respective registration officers or Pilgrims Welfare Agencies to ensure that their passport details are properly uploaded within the stipulated seven-day period.

Prompt compliance will help avoid complications that may hinder participation in the Hajj.

The additional window serves as a crucial opportunity for final reconciliation of records, reinforcing the collective effort to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj operation.

Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has successfully completed the upload of data for all 2,404 registered intending pilgrims from the State on the E-Track Masar Portal, ahead of the official closure of the portal by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

According to a press release by Faruku Umar, Head of Information and Communications of the Agency, this was disclosed by the Chairman of the Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, during a meeting with Assistant Hajj Registration Officers from the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.

Alhaji Aliyu Musa explained that with the closure of the Masar Portal, a new Hajj era has commenced, noting that the Saudi Arabian authorities, in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has introduced new policies aimed at ensuring a smooth and well-coordinated 2026 Hajj exercise.

According to him, one of the key new guidelines introduced for airlines is the issuance of flight tickets well ahead of departure, adding that every pilgrim must clearly know their exact date, time, and place of departure.

He warned that missing a scheduled flight (no-show) will attract penalties, as each pilgrim’s ticket will be digitally linked to their Nusuk Card.

The Chairman further stated that pilgrims will now travel in groups of 45, adding that each group will depart together, be accommodated together in the same hotels in Makkah, Madinah, and Masha’ir, and return to Nigeria together after Hajj.

He also revealed that the new policy requires NAHCON to upload pre-arrival data on the Nusuk Masar platform at least 72 hours before the departure of any aircraft conveying pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He emphasized that pilgrims will not be allowed to change groups after visa issuance.

Alhaji Aliyu Musa assured that the Agency has adjusted its registration processes to ensure full compliance with all the new guidelines, in order to safeguard the welfare of Sokoto State pilgrims and guarantee a hitch-free Hajj operation.