GOVERNOR WAMAKKO – A SILENT ACHIEVER
 
His Excellency, Alh. (Dr) Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sarkin Yamma of Sokoto), Executive Governor of Sokoto State is a man noted for silence but serious in the discharge of public affairs. This composure gave opposition and cynics the leverage to circulate literature materials and engage in rumour trade about the government’s performance since it came to power. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in Sokoto State under the stewardship of Governor Wamakko identified and articulated policies that would touch the lives of the citizens. The government, that has poverty reduction as cardinal programme, has mapped out strategies to develop important sectors of the economy for overall growth. In the course of implementation of policies of the administration, accountability and transparency demand that the citizens of the State (home and in Diaspora) get informed of government services.
We in SOLID continued to receive bashings for promoting a "non-performing government". Criticism is normal occurrence in life but it throws up challenges for justification of stance. Despite the destabilization antics of opposition Governor Wamakko remained focused to provide good governance to the people of Sokoto State. The series of court cases instituted against his government did not distract him from providing dividends of democracy to the people who massively voted him into power. Apprehension gripped opposition to panicky frenzy when Governor Wamakko frontally addressed injustices suffered by some sectors for the past eight years. The new chapter of humane governance staggered sceptics who devised press war to cast aspersions against Governor Wamakko. The annulment of his election by Appeal Court, Kaduna was seen by us as normal democratic process. We were vindicated when Governor Wamakko won a more resounding victory in the re-run election to clinch a new mandate.
We, therefore, present sector by sector achievements of Governor Wamakko within the short period of its existence in a manner of transparency and accountability.
ADMINISTRATION
As Governor Wamakko stated "the strength and effectiveness of any Government depends on the knowledge and calibre of its workforce", the State Government has spent a total of Eight Two Million Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N82.3 million) in foreign and local training of its workforce for efficiency and effectiveness. Usman Faruk and Shehu Kangiwa Secretariats as well as Civil Service Commission building have received substantial renovations. Permanent Secretaries and Directors General got new cars. The motivational dynamics in scenery and mobility cost the government a total of Six Hundred Million Naira (N600 million). Government reviewed the minimum wage of civil servants upward to N6,500.00while pension arrears of 142,5 was settled. . Also 30,000 motorcycles were procured and gave out to civil servants on loan at heavily subsidized rate of N47, 000. An office complex shall soon be constructed for the Head of Service, and 1000 vehicles shall be procured within the year to distribute to civil servants on loan. Government has restored the illegally deducted three steps and paid all arrears; pensioners have received backlog of outstanding benefits and they now receive their pensions regularly. Government continues to ensure the State is properly represented in Federal Establishments, Military and Paramilitary by shouldering logistics and other remunerations.
POWER SUPPLY
The State Government has awarded contract for construction of Independent Power Plant at the cost of N3.8 billion. The project that is expected to be completed by September 2009 will provide additional 30 megawatts to supplement supply from Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). This project when completed will guarantee steady power supply throughout Sokoto State, which will encourage industrial and commercial growths of the State.
POVERTY ERADICATION
Government has provided 150 buses, 70 taxis and 150 tricycles that were issued out on loan to individuals to ease transportation problems within and outside the State. This project cost the State Government N848,750,000.00. Similarly, the Government has procured 150 more buses for onward distribution to people on loan. The Government of Governor Wamakko has also procured Candle, Paint-making and other machines that are now being used to train the unemployed youths to eventually be self-reliant. In the same vein Government has procured 3 sets of complete drilling equipment at a total cost of N140,970,000.00, one for each of the three Senatorial Districts. According to Government, the equipment is to be utilized by the State indigenes that have been trained in that field. The drilling equipment meant for boreholes will ensure citizens are involved in provision of water for agriculture, human and animal consumption. This is general empowerment. The youths can take advantage of this opportunity to engage in all season farming. To date the Government has trained more than 13,000 youth on various trades.
These projects have gulped Seven Hundred Million Naira (N700 million).
ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
The Government of PDP under Governor Wamakko’s stewardship has completed 21 Area and Upper Area courts, 8 Magistrate courts and residential quarters in Yabo, Illela, Goronyo, Tureta, Gidan Madi, Gwadabawa, Tambuwal and Isa towns. Government pays adequate attentions to welfare of judicial officers in motivational dynamics and all entitlements of senior judicial officers have been met. The construction in Sokoto of Appeal Court that will serve Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States is being facilitated by the State Government.
RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Sokoto is the seat of the Caliphate and cynosure of Islam in Nigeria, nay, West Africa. For this reason, the Ministry of Religious Affairs that takes charge of religious affairs has constructed 4 types "A" Jumu’at Mosques and Islamiyya Schools; 33 type "B" Jumu’at Mosques and 5 Five Daily Prayer Mosques at the total cost of Three Hundred and Sixty One Million Naira (N361 million) in addition to purchase of Modus and Scales worth N17.5 million to standardize measures across the State. Government also recruited 69 teachers that were provided with motorcycles worth N5.9 million for easy access to rural areas. Government further established Model Almajiri School Tudun ‘Yandoto in Dange/Shuni local government at the cost of about N70 million and provided N8 million mats to Quranic Schools in the State.
AGRICULTURE
The first need of man is food. The North has been known as food basket of the nation through deep involvement in agriculture. Sokoto State Government wants to boost this sector through increased participation and funding. Government has committed about Five Billion Naira (N5 billion) in procurement of 24,610 metric tons of assorted fertilizer. Alsothe Government procured 140,000 metric tons of fertilizer at the cost of N1.7 billion for 2009 cropping season. The commodity was distributed to farmers at subsidized rates during the last rainy season and is now being distributed for dry season farming. In addition, Government has also procured 238 Messey Ferguson tractors (146 for state and 97 for local governments) complete with implements at a total cost of N1.7 billion which are being issued out to local governments to lease out to farmers. In order to utilize more hectares of land especially during the dry season Government embarked on rehabilitation of irrigation schemes at Wurno, Kware, Wamakko, Kalmalo and Taloka. In particular, the Wurno irrigation scheme is not only for food but for export. Also, the government has spent about one billion naira on the planned Wurno College of Agric. It also procured 30,000 irrigation pumps at a total cost of N264 million and sold to farmers at subsidized rates. In addition, the Government disbursedN40, 899,000 loan to about 150 rice farmers and 232 farmers for animal tractions. Similarly, 20 rice treshing machines were given to farmers. Under the strategic grains reserve the State Government procured and stored 6,570 metric tons of assorted grains at a cost of N1.5 billion. Government also purchased at the total cost of N21 million aerial spray materials, 500 litres of pesticides and agro chemical materials for control of Quella birds and various crop pests in the State. The State Government has further committed Three Billion Nine Hundred and Fifty Seven Million Seventy Thousand Nine Hundred and Twenty One Naira (N3,957,070,921.00) to this sector in the current fiscal year.
ANIMAL HEALTH AND FISHERIES
Sokoto State is noted for large herds of cattle, sheep and goats. Government has committed N100 million in this sector and will further inject N414,039,693.48 during 2009 fiscal year to increase beef production and hides and skins. Government embarked on vaccination of different animals against diseases in all parts of the State. It developed LIBC in D ogon Daji and Kebbe Cattle Ranch by way of increasing their stock and provision of livestock feeds, drugs and equipment; earth dams were constructed in Tureta and Kware local governments. It further equipped 8 newly created veterinary clinics at Wamakko, Wurno, Kware, Illela, S/Birni, Tureta and Bodinga as well as procurement of public health equipment for control and eradication of Zoometric diseases throughout the State. Government also provided modernized fish farms and established modern hatchery in the State. During the 2009 fiscal year Government will develop grazing reserves for pasture, provision of adequate livestock drinking water and procurement of livestock feeds. Construction of modern abattoir around the Eastern Bye Pass has reached advanced stage of completion. Government has also embarked on construction of 4 Livestock Centres in the State. Interestingly, a special Livestock programme, for large scale livestock rearing and dairy products, in conjunction with the Government of Argentine is also about to commence.
ENVIRONMENT
Environment adds to vitality of life. A clean environment means less expenditure on health care. These inform the State Government creation of Ministry of Environment. Through the Ministry, Government has provided 2 km Shelterbelt at Sokoto-Wamakko road and Dandin Mahe-Jaredi Junction; it has produced 1.8 million assorted seedlings and rehabilitated facilities in all the Nursery Centres; constructed 2 km drainage at Runjin Sambo to control gully erosion and embarked on repairs of embankment and maintenance of Wurno Irrigation Scheme at the cost of N20m as well as reconstruction of three (3) boreholes. In 2009 Government will execute the following projects at the cost of One Billion Thirty Eight Million Two Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand Nine Hundred and Ten Naira Forty Eight Kobo (N1,038,278,910.48):
Ø Establishment of 14 km Shelterbelt in seven (7) frontline Local Government Areas of Isa, S/Birni, Gada, Illela, Gudu, Tangaza and Gwadabawa – 2 km each;
Ø Establishment of 30 hectares Eucalyptus plantation in the three (3) Senatorial Districts (10 hectares for each District);
Ø Restoration of 4 Nos Nurseries and production of 1 million planting stock for distribution to the general public free.
Ø Carrying out afforestation activities such as sand dunes fixations at Gidan Gado in Gada Local Government, Gidan Ciwake in Illela Local Government and plantation of Pilgrims Camp, Sokoto.
Ø Establishment of Gum Arabic plantation at Benadi, Bachaka and Gundumi Forest Reserves;
Ø Control of desertification and land degradation in Forest and Grazing lands;
Ø Provision of alternative sources of energy and effective cooking stoves to safeguard the existing flora;
Ø Embarking on massive environmental education and awareness, programmes. This has started with the monthly sanitation exercise.
Ø Application of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on all projects and enforcement of all relevant laws, mitigation of polythene bags and modernization of refuse management.
WATER RESOURCES
The administration inherited perennial water shortage in the State. It immediately embarked on replacement of old pipes and refurbishment of tank reservoirs. A Committee has just been set up to ensure adequate water supply in the State capital within the shortest time. Since the inauguration of the Committee Sokoto metropolis has witnessed dramatic improvement in water supply. Government has budgeted One Billion Seven Hundred and Two Million Three Hundred and Nine Thousand Five Hundred and Forty Three Naira (N1,702,309,543.00) during the current fiscal year to tackle the following projects:
Ø The conversion of 25 Nos of motorized water schemes to solar water schemes;
Ø The upgrading of 23 village water schemes to semi-urban water schemes and 25 Nos of semi-urban water supply schemes to urban water supply schemes;
Ø Construction of 8 Nos semi-urban water schemes;
Ø Construction of 2nd water works at Asare capable of providing 45 million litres per day;
Ø Drilling of 46 additional boreholes in Guinea-worm infested communities of Binji, Gada, Rabah, Silame, Tangaza, Tureta and Tambuwal Local Governments;
Ø Establishment of Hydromel station at Gwadabawa, Kalmalo, Tambuwal and Isa;
Ø Rehabilitation of 202 semi-urban water schemes;
Ø Diversion of Kware Main line to Achida and rehabilitation of the Impresit water supply extension for Sokoto township.
The Government , in order to ensure steady supply of portable water to Sokoto metropolis and environs , has set up committee to achieve that goal and the sum of N500 million was released to it
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Development of rural areas would stem the influx of immigration to urban centres that are already overstretched in infrastructure utilization. Moreover, development should be penetrative of every segments of the society. In the light of these facts the State Government has
Ø reactivated 46 Nos hand pumps State-wide at a cost of N9.5 million and purchase of sundry drilling chemicals worth N9.5 million;
Ø Completed and connected 89 Nos water schemes at the total of N112 million;
Ø Extended water scheme to Salame and rehabilitated water scheme in Tungar Malam Rashidu and Binga in Gwadabawa Local Government and at Yaka and Karfen Chana in Gudu Local Government;
Ø Provided 3 Nos Solar Water schemes at Tangaza, Rabah and Kebbe Local Governments as well as construction and erection of 50 Nos 10,000 gallons capacity water tanks at the cost of N106 million.
For 2009 Government has budgeted Five Hundred and Ten Million Three Hundred and Seventy Six Thousand Nine Hundred and Sixty Three Naira (N510,376,963.00) for reactivation of 200 Motorized rural Water Schemes; construction of solar powered boreholes schemes, drilling of boreholes in hard and soft formations, provision of generator house, overhead tanks, purchase of Drilling Rigs and supporting supervision vehicles.
Rural water
The administration of PDP in Sokoto believes in total provision of amenities through the poverty reduction programme. For this the department of rural water supply has embarked on provision of water to the rural areas. It embarked on motorized water schemes that targets at 89 No. of the schemes state wide. The project has reached 90 % completion. It costs N111,534,000 (one hundred and eleven million five hundred and thirty four thousand naira). In similar vein the department has contracted for provision of 50 overhead tanks and 50 boreholes throughout the state. 30 Nos. of the over head tanks have been completed. The joint contract which costs N272,500,000:00 (two hundred and seventy two million five hundred thousand naira) shall be completed in a few months from now. The department has reactivated 26 hand pumps and shall soon be handed over to the communities. The department has also embarked on 40 solar powered motorized water scheme as a way of supplementing shortage of electricity to power the scheme. Water schemes have been rehabilitated in Tungur Mallam Rashidu, Binga water scheme, Yaka Rural Water Scheme, Karfen China and Yar’Abba. In all , the administration of Governor Wamakko believes in equitable distribution of amenities. Thus there has been deliberate even distribution of the water scheme by the department of rural water supply so that every citizen of the state enjoys dividend of democracy and good governance.
RURAL ROADS
Feeder roads provide accessibility to and from rural areas for transportation of agricultural produce to desired markets and social interaction between urban and rural areas, and among communities. Government has spent over One Billion Naira (N1 billion) in construction of 33 km roads – Dogon Daji-Salah-Sanyinna; and Yabo-Bingaje-Fakka. In 2009 Government has budgeted huge sum of money for construction of 500 km feeder roads across the State, thus Binji-Inname road, Gwadabawa-Chancha road, Katsira-Takakume road, Durbawa-Mallamawa road, Dange-Wababe road, Dogon-Daji-Nabaguda road, Mallawa to Tsamiya road, Mai-Kulki-Kalgo-Alelu road, Dagawa-Asarara-Dandin Mahe-Horo road and others as they are identified.
RURAL ELECTRICITY
Electricity is one of the attractions to urban centres not only for social life but for business purposes. The provision of electricity in rural areas shall encourage establishment of cottage industries and other commercial activities that will uplift the standard of living of the people. Sokoto State Government under Governor Wamakko is committed to fulfill campaign promises of provision of rural electricity in tandem with poverty reduction policy of PDP. Therefore, Government completed inherited rural electrification projects and connected additional 143 towns/villages to the National Grid. In 2009 Government is providing additional 150 towns/villages in the State with electricity which it has earmarked One Billion Five Hundred and Six Million Five Hundred and Seventeen Thousand One Hundred and Forty Seven Naira (N1,506,517,147.00).
WORKS AND TRANSPORT
The PDP Government of Governor Wamakko of Sokoto State attaches importance to provision of good roads network and has embarked on the following roads construction:
Ø Wurno-Huchi-Tambagarka-Nasarawa road and 1 No bridge at N1.4 billion;
Ø Gidan Sale-Tidibale-Mailalle road (52 km) at N1.3 billion;
Ø Construction of Flyover Bridge at National Filling Station Roundabout at N1.5 billion;
Ø Bodinga-Kilgori-Bakale road (20 km) at N750 million;
Ø Fakka-Gudurega-Bingaje-Yabo II road (16 km) at N544 million;
Ø Asphalting of Arkilla Gumbi-Wamakko-Kalambaina road (24 km) at N678 million;
Ø Illela Gada road (40 km) at N829 million;
Ø Rundi-Katami-Silame road (37 km) at N950 million;
Ø Reconstruction of 1.8 km Ahmadu Bello Way with drainages on both sides at N504 million;
Ø Rehabilitation of Gusau road from Roundabout Mai-ruwa to Welcome to Sokoto Gate (3.9 km) at N319 million;
Ø Construction of Yar-Abba-Hamidawa-Fanari road (13 km) at N270 million;
Ø Dualisation of Garba Mohammed road (1.3 km) at N270 million.
Other roads construction to be executed within the fiscal year in the sector that has current budget of Three Billion Eight Hundred and Seventy One Million Nine Hundred and Eight thousand Six Hundred and One Naira (N3,871,908,601.00) include Dandin Mahe-Ginga-Dorowa road, Dogon Karefe-Ambarura-Tabani road, Gada-Kaffe-Gadabo-Dukamaje road, Sifawa-Badau-Darhela-Danchadi-Dange road, Durbawa-Maikujera, Kajiji-Sanyinnawal and Fanari-Yarume/Kwalkwalawa-Gedawa roads.
Additional buildings are being constructed as Government Lodges. The project is close to completion.
Furthermore, the state government has awarded contracts for construction of various roads, in addition to the earlier ones, this include Sokoto-Illela road (85km), Wurno-Huchi-Tambagarka-Nasarawa road including 4 sqm bridge (17km), Illela-Runfar Dan Kawu road (3 km), Wamakko-Bunkari road (27 km), Salame bridge and 7 km approach road, Bodinga-Bakale-Kilgori road, Yabo-Bengaje-Gudurega-Fakka road (16 km), Rundi-Katami-Silame road (37km), Arkilla-Gumbi-Wamakko-Kalambaina (24 km), Yar’abba-Farare road, Isa-Turba-Gatawa-S/Birni road (49 km), asphat overlay of S/Birni-Niger border, Tarring of Dogon Daji to Sanyinna Road (30 km) construction of drainage/tarring of Digar Agyere to Marmaron Garu to Mainiyyo road, construction of Dandin Mahe to Ginga road (7 km), construction of Gumbi to Gidan Ali to Badon Rafi (9 km), construction of Manda, Lambo, Tsaki Zamau to Gagere road, construction of Kwalkwalawa to Dandaye road (7 km), construction of Kogogo-Tofa road (4 km), construction of Lambar Gorau to Gorau road (1.5 km), reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello Way, Sokoto.
EDUCATION
Education has been acknowledged to be the bedrock of any society. PDP Government of Sokoto State attaches great importance to this sector that within its short period in power the sector has witnessed tremendous improvement. Its unprecedented effort to save system made the government to declare a state emergency in the sector and committed 22 of percent of the state budget in order to revitalize and reposition education in the state. Teachers no longer use their money to buy basic teaching materials. Government in its resolve to provide qualitative, accessible and affordable education to the citizens embarked on rehabilitation and expansion of some selected secondary schools; purchase and distribution of science and technical equipment to all secondary schools; purchase and distribution of relevant textbooks for all subjects; purchase and distribution of computers and accessories to selected schools; recruitment of additional teachers and provision of vehicles for monitoring and inspection as well as equipping classrooms and hostels with furniture.
Government has positioned itself to consolidate by establishment of 3 additional Women Centres, one in each of the three Senatorial Districts; provide model libraries in some selected post-primary schools and equip the Education Resources Centres with necessary facilities to cater for primary and post-primary schools. Government also
ØFeeding allowances was increased by 100 % percent thereby ending burden on parents which also increased attendence by 30 percent ;
Ø Increased Scholarship allowances by 100 percent;
Ø Settled registration fees of Sokoto State indigenes studying in various higher institutions of learning at N120 million;
Ø Settled registration fees to all Post -graduate students (indigenes ) within and outside the country;
Ø Paid scholarship allowances to indigenous students at higher institutions of learning across the State at N83 million;
Ø Shoulders scholarship for 30 students pursuing medicine at Albion College London, United Kingdom at N250 million;
Ø Sponsoring 10 State indigenes pursuing ACCA course in London, United Kingdom at N10 million;
ØSponsoring 25 indigenes to UK and Malysia to become consultant(medicine);
Ø Sponsoring 59 indigenes for studies at Nigeria Maritime Academy and additional 25 at the African Maritime Academy.
Ø Sponsoring 25 indigenes to School of Aviation, Zaria at the cost of N80m;
Ø School fees, examination fees e.t.c were abolished across the Board for both indigenes and non indigenes, applicable only in Sokoto state, a healthy move which increased students enrollment to 40 percent.
Ø Expansion works on 30 secondary schools in the state amounting to seven hundred eighty six million naira which include classrooms,hostels, libraries, workshops, staff houses e.t.c
ØPurchase of science equipment for school labs at the cost of N200m.
Ø Purchase of textbooks, computers and exercise books to school worth N172m.
Ø Construction of new secondary school at Shuni at the cost of N283m.
Ø Expansion of Government secondary school Kware at the cost of N172m (on going) .
Ø Purchase of vehicles for inspection of schools .
Ø Recruitment of 700 teachers for TSB, 172 for SSCOE and 192 for Arabic & Islamic Education Board.
Ø Recruitment another 1000 teachers for secondary schools Purchase of 20 generators for some secondary schools.
Ø Establishment of additional 9 Nomadic schools at the cost of N13m;
Ø Sponsoring over 100 indigenes to read variuos courses in Europe, Malysia and Egypt
So far about N2b has been expended on rehabilitation and expansion of schools in the state.
Science and Technical Education
This ministry oversees development of science and technical education through the schools under it. During the period under review the ministry has embarked on rehabilitation of GSSS Yabo, GGCSS Tambuwal and GGC, Sokoto at a total cost of (one hundred and eighty nine million three hundred and eleven thousand two hundred and thirty Naira six kobo). Student hostels have been rehabilitated at GGC, Sokoto and Olusegun Obasanjo Technical College, Bafarawa at the cost of fifty million one hundred and fifteen thousand six hundred and seventeen naira seventy nine kobo). At GGCSS Tambuwal Government has installed Modern laboratory furniture and fittings at a cost of six million eight hundred thousand naira. Government has spent ninety six million seven hundred and forty eight thousand eight hundred and eighty naira (N96,748,880.00), on feeding of students.
The ministry has also spent six million nine hundred and forty two thousand three hundred and thirteen naira (N6,942,313.00), on provision of water at Government Technical College, Farfaru, Nagarta College, Sokoto and GGC, Sokoto.
The ministry has further spent one hundred and eighteen million six hundred and forty six thousand and eight hundred and seventeen naira seventy five kobo (N118,646,817.75) in procurement of science equipment and other educational materials, in addition to other sundry materials worth two million Naira (N2m).
All the schools under the ministry and now connected to internet at the cost of thirty-five million four hundred and sixty-eight and eight hundred Naira (N35,468,800:00). The ministry also spend three million six hundred and sixty thousand three hundred Naira (N3,660,300.00) for students examination fees and another five hundred and ten thousand naira (N510,000) spent on purchase and distribution of JAMB forms to Sokoto state indigenes and another nine hundred thousand naira (N900,000.00) on NABTEB registration forms.
The ministry further spend over forty two million Naira (N42m) to buy new buses which it distribution to schools under it, in addition to one million one hundred and forty nine thousand seven Naira it spent on repairs of broken down vehicles it inherited from various administration.
In order to remedy the decay in teaching and learning in schools under this ministry government has spent four hundred and seventy-eight million (N478m) in procurement of science equipment, textbooks, computers, generators, instructional materials and renovation of schools under the ministry of sciences and technical education.
Department of Higher Education
The administration of Governor Wamakko attaches great importance to the education of the youth as a means of general empowerment. The department of higher education has pursued vigorously high drive to secure admission for state indigenes in various high institutions in the country. Through the concerted efforts of the department eight hundred and sixty five (865) state indigenes have been admitted into the school of Matriculation studIes of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to pursue science courses. Another eightY one (81) Sokoto state indigenes have been admitted into the school of preliminary and extra rural studies, FUT, Minna while forty-three (43) indigenes are in school of basic and remedial studies, ABU, Zaria. Government also ensure prompt payment of all fees relating to students of Sokoto state indigenes, including their transportation.
The department purchased and distributed 5,000 UME and JAMB forms to indigenes of the state. Government has further approved funds for purchase of 1,500 DE (JAMB) forms for distribution to the state indigenes.
The department purchased private NECO forms for indigenes who are deficient at O/level to remedy their deficiencies to enter higher institutions.
The department has also conceived conduct of extra rural programme. About one thousand students of the state indigenes have been registered under seven centres in the state supervised by a consultant with centre co-ordinators that engaged good teachers for the programme.
Through the effort of the department 17 B.Ed programmes of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto have been accredited by National Universities Commission. Similarly, twelve HND courses have been accredited by National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
The departments has embarked on sanitization visits to the 23 local governments to increase school enrollments to boost education in the state through advocacy and physical and financial assistance to the youth of the state.
The department unprecedented land mark was its sponsorship of 25 indigenes to UK and Malysia expected to be consultants after graduation.
INFORMATION
Information dissemination is a major vital area of social interaction. It is the link between Government and citizens which creates mutual understanding in contrast to rumour mongering and speculations. In recognition of the importance of information dissemination Government embarked on training and retraining of personnel as well as supply of needed equipment and working materials. Government effected reorganization of the media industry and disbanded the Sokoto State Media Corporation. Rima Radio, Rima Television and Sokoto Newspaper Company each has separate management for efficiency and effectiveness in close supervision. The arrangement now boosts staff morale to greater productivity. Work is at advanced stage of completion on the establishment of Shagari Booster Station of the Rima Television and upgrading of the one at Isa to 10 kwt status. Government has started process of digitalization of the transmitters of both Rima Radio and Rima Television in line with global trend in the media industry.
For security of personnel and equipment Government wall fenced the premises of Sokoto Newspaper Company and Rima Radio.
Sokoto Newspaper Company will soon take delivery of colour printing machines to improve its production and engage in commercial printing for internal generation of revenue. In the current fiscal year Information will gulp Five Hundred and Seven Million Naira Five Hundred and Eighty Six Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty Seven Naira (N507,586,827.00).
SOCIAL WELFARE
The Poverty Reduction Programme of PDP administration in Sokoto State is aimed at total empowerment of the populace. Governor Wamakko enjoys huge support of the youths of Sokoto State who massively voted him to office. In reciprocity Governor Wamakko’s administration has made youth empowerment one of his priorities to cater for leaders of tomorrow. Government established a Skills Acquisition Mega Centre in each of the three Senatorial Districts; two Skills Acquisition Centres in each of the 23 local government areas to cater for male and female trainings. The scheme has trained 3,320 youths in various skills and government provided equipment for the graduates to stand on their own. At present 5,750 apprentices are undergoing training across the State.
Government intends during the current fiscal year to admit 300 youths from each local government into the scheme.
Government has continued to sustain its Ramadan breakfast succor for the less privileged and needy.
It pays minimum wage to every disabled member of the State as a way of providing relief to the needy.
Government in recognition of sports as huge industry that employs the youth has embarked on renovation of Giginya stadium and will provide necessary sporting facilities when the renovation is completed. That sub-sector that was dormant for eight years has picked up activities. Sokoto State contingents to KADA 2009 surpassed the number ever recorded in the history of sports in the State in recent time. State indigenes are finding professional football clubs outside the country. To maintain the tempo Social Welfare has a budget of Two Billion Five Hundred and Six Million Six Hundred and Seventy Nine Thousand Twenty Five Naira (N2,506,679,025.00) in the current fiscal year.
Sports
The government of His Excellency Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko (Sarkin Yamman Sokoto), is committed to development of all sectors of the economy. Since assumption of office the sector has received tremendous encouragement. The renovation of Giginya Stadium is nearing completion. The government intends to equip it with modern sporting facilities. In addition hostels are being constructed for sportsmen and women. Within a short time sportsmen and women in Sokoto have won various laurels that surpass all fast efforts. The sector is expected to do more when the renovation of the stadium is completed and sporting facilities provided for training of sportsmen and women. It is this sector that is expected to employ or engage many youths to meaningful activities.
 
WOMEN AFFAIRS
Governor Wamakko’s administration gives priority attention to development of womenfolk. It has provided Women Development Centre, Sokoto with working materials, and created Computer, Fitness and Day Care Centres at the cost of N10 million, providing working materials worth N17.5 million to Women Development Centres in all the 23 local government councils; provided N15 million assistance to distressed women and women petty traders across the State; renovated and expanded Wamakko Drop-In Centre at the cost of N20 million as well as expansion of Maryam Abacha VVF and Children Hospital at the cost of N50 million.
Government intends to create Women and Children Affairs Department at local government level; provide soft loans to Women Cooperative Groups and construct Conference Hall at Women Development Centre, Sokoto for which the Ministry has budget allocation of Three Hundred and Four Million Six Hundred and Thirty Thousand One Hundred and Three Naira (N304,630,103.00).
COMMERCE, INDUSTRIES AND TOURISM
Governor Wamakko in line with the poverty reduction policy has industrialization and development of commercial activities as one of his major focus. Development of this sector will not only boost commercial activities of the State but also generate employment for the youths. In conjunction with SOCCIMA the State Government disbursed interest free loan of Two Billion Naira only (N2 billion) to 7000 businessmen. It has procured 20 units of complete small scale rice milling machines with polishers and generators worth N93.6 million. Government has also procured 20,000 irrigation pumps, 20,000 agricultural sprayers, 50 mobile mechanic workshops, 1000 Cobblers for shoemaking and leather works and 1000 units of complete Embroidery machines at the total cost of N830 million to assist small scale entrepreneurs in the State. Government has also increased share holding in the Sokoto Furniture Factory Limited from 17.825% to 57.805%. Government continues to woo foreign investors to the State such as CHOGQING GUAUDONG CO. LTD, Companies from the Middle East, China and South Africa to utilize the abundant solid mineral resources of the State. In the current year Government has earmarked Five Hundred and Forty Six Million Two Hundred Thousand Five Hundred and Fifty Five Naira (N546,200,555.00) to realize
Ø Establishment of Agro-allied industries;
Ø Joint venture on Leather Works Factory;
Ø Establishment of Hydrated Lime processing plant;
Ø Establishment and improvement of Hotels and Catering Services;
Ø Establishment of International Border Market at Illela and 2 regional markets at Achida and Tambuwal;
Ø Resuscitation of Shamrock Fertilizer Company;
Ø Acquisition of shares in strategic sectors of the economy;
Ø Completion of the proposed Industrial Layouts in the State capital.
Government has constructed a new Meat and Fish Market close to Ibro Hotel to serve the rebuilt Sokoto Central Market at the cost of over N400m.
HEALTH
The health sector contributes to measurement of level of development of a people – accessibility and affordability. The Government of PDP in Sokoto State ensured completion of inherited projects which include General Hospitals at Tangaza, Illela, Yabo, Gada and upgrading of Clinics to General Hospitals at Sabon Birni, Gwadabawa, Balle and rehabilitation works at Amanawa Leprosium, Specialist Hospital and WCWC hospital. Government has also embarked on construction of Primary health Centres at Romon Liman, Sabon Garin Dole, Araba, Ummaruma, Durbawa, Dingyadi, Tsamiya and Salame. Rehabilitation and upgrading of facilities at the School Nursing & Midwifery and Sultan Abdurrahman School of Health Technology, Gwadabawa. Government further procured and distributed medical furniture and equipment to hospitals across the State. To ensure accessibility to medical care Government procured 30 Mobile Clinics, 17 Ambulances and 8 Utility vehicles.
To boost manpower development in the health sector Government has sponsored 40 State indigenes to study medicine abroad; indigenes of the State studying medicine, pharmacy and medical laboratory in Nigerian universities are placed on salary Grade Level 08 at 400 Level and student nurses and midwifery are placed on GL 04. The measure is motivation to attract needed manpower for effective and efficient health care delivery services. Salary of health workers has also been reviewed up-ward to enhance motivation and dedication to service.
Government has resuscitated Drugs Revolving Fund and procured drugs worth N100 million under the Scheme to ensure hospitals do not lack drugs.
Government has heavily supported immunization programmes against maternal and child mortality. Government mobilized all political office holders and senior government functionaries to sensitize their constituencies on the need for immunization against poliomyelitis and other killer diseases such as Tuberculosis, Measles, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus etc. The State has recorded tremendous success in this regard that it ranks 2nd lowest incidence of these diseases in the Northwest zone. Government provided logistics for aggressive campaign against drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and STIS. It has provided counterpart funding to World Bank and United Nations programmes in the State which include Sokoto Health System Development Project II, Eye-care project, HIV/AIDS projects, Rollback Malaria project and Reproductive Health Project whose activities contributed enormously to effective health care delivery services of the State. Health sector takes almost 10% of 2009 budget of the State which translates to Four Billion Nine Hundred and Sixty Million Sixty Five Thousand Two Hundred and Eight Naira Nine Kobo (N4,960,065,208.09).
The state is providing free medical care to pregnant women and children under five years in its FREMCARE programme in which customized drugs and diagnostic services are provided free of charge in all 17 general hospitals and 10 primary heath centres across the state. The programme is being supervised by the local community trustee committees. The programme has recorded tremendous achievements in number of pregnant women attending ANC clinic and hospitals delivery and more children being treated.
The state was also selected among six (6) states in the country to implement the MDG/NHIS maternal and child healthcare project for free care to pregnant women and children under five years targeting 100,000 beneficiaries with over N700m to be spent in 2 years. The state counterpart funding was also paid for the MDG intervention project on Malaria control and obstetric care through up-grading of 92 health facilities and malaria drugs supply worth N303m.
A rural mobile health care programme (RUMCARE) has also been set-up to cater for high demanding and hard to reach rural communities in which three teams comprising a mobile clinic van, doctor, pharmacist and nurse/midwife make weekly visit to a community in each of the three senatorial zones to attend to deserving patients and enhance routine immunization.
The state UNFPA office was up-graded to zonal office to cover Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Katsina for the 6th country programme. Memorandum of understanding was also signed with Medicine Sanfrontier (MSF) Holland for the maternal child healthcare and nutrition intervention in Goronyo LGA. The UNICEF nutrition support project is in Sabon Birni, Isa, Gada, Illela and Tangaza LGAS. The UNICEF and Yakubu Gowon Centre would also by June 2009 deliver over 1.4m worth N1.2bn naira. long lasting insecticide treated nets to provide each house hold with 2 nets to control malaria disease.
LANDS, HOUSING AND SURVEY
Elementary economics taught that next to food in hierarchy of man’s needs is shelter. Government has committed Three Billion Naira (N3 billion) in construction of 1000 houses that will soon be ready for allocation and occupation. Government intends to build additional 1000 houses before the end of 2009 to bring the total to 2000 houses. Government has also embarked on renovation of Government quarters and now providing infrastructure to the new Housing Schemes. It has budgeted Two Billion Nine Hundred and Eleven Million Eight Hundred and Five Thousand Seventy Five Naira Ninety Seven Kobo (N2,911,805,075.97) in 2009 for successful execution of projects in this sector.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Local government system is a legacy of Sokoto Caliphate to the nation when the colonial masters adopted it in Indirect Rule. Therefore, Governor Wamakko sustains the dignity of the system by non-interference in their statutory allocation. Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs monitors project execution of the autonomous councils. Local Government officials are now accountable to the electorate as cradle of economic, social and political mobilization.
CONCLUSION
We have been accused of hagiography and sycophancy. Thus the current publication is a painstaking effort to showcase a government that is committed to uplift the overall standard of living of its citizens. All the projects of the administration are tailored towards general interest of the people, irrespective of party affiliation. Only a hard core sadist is averse to good tidings.
The material is collated by Sokoto Liberal Democrats Media Foundation (SOLID) Sokotosolid2007@yahoo.com