By Ado Hassan, Sokoto,
RIVERS state Governor , Nyesom Wike on Thursday commissioned and flagged off the Sokoto state city multi billion naira remodelling projects and facilities with a call on leaders to disregard political differences and provide beneficial services that answer the yearnings, wishes and aspirations of the people.
” Lay a legacy that will last the test of time for posterity to speak after you irrespective of peoples political affiliations. All is for the good and unity of the state and the Nigerian people.”
The projects included the commissioning of the 1.5 million gallons Shiyyar Fulani water plant in Bodinga local government which will be replicated across the 23 local governments of the state, the symbolic flag off of the metropolitan Waziri Abbas road dualization at Unguwan Rogo , foundation laying of the Ultra-Modern Sokoto state University Teaching Hospital , Kasarawa as well renovated Sokoto state High Court complex respectively.
Wike who made the remark at the projects sites said people needs must be known and considered in the process of development by leaders who are willing and ready to leave infrastructure legacies that would last the test of time.
According to him” I believe what my people in Rivers state need is different from what Sokoto people need.
” We have to carry everyone along in the affairs of governance . Their needs must be understood and addressed accordingly “, he stated.
He noted that the array of projects if completed, would be beneficial to the socio-economic expectations of the people as well beautify the metropolis.
The oil rich state governor who noted the historical importance of the road among other giant projects earmarked to drive the remodelling plan to reality described Tambuwal as a silent achiever who do note talk but act .
” I am optimistic that Sokoto people will benefit immensely from the laudable efforts of Tambuwal before the end of his tenure.
” I must say that if my friend(Tambuwal) is not a performer , I will not step my feet on the soil of the seat of the caliphate”, he pointed out.
The governor urged people of the state to extend their support to Tambuwal in all courses for the development of the state.
Hitherto, governor Wike who was to perform the foundation laying aspect of the Sokoto state University Teaching Hospital project, insisted and prevailed on Senator Muhammad Ali Ndume (APC-Borno), Chairman ,
Senate Committee on Army to perform same as a mark of honour, friendship and good governance on his behalf adding that” that is how patriots, democrats and leaders should exhibit for the peace, unity and oness of purpose in driving the quest for good governance “, he said.
However, Ndume who was in Sokoto on oversight function visit to the 8 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army was in company of Senators Abba Moro, Hassan Mainasiha and Col. Amos(rtd) among other members of the committee who had earlier taken turn to observe a session in the Operations room of the 8 Division for details by the Acting GOC, Brig. Gen. Aminu Bande on their operations across Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
Also, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal while leading his Rivers state counterpart to perform the activities , said his administration was concerned about the transformation of the state to a centre of excellence in the aspects of infrastructure development.
According to the governor, his vision was to see a new Sokoto city on the map of modernity , full of opportunities and hope for the people, hence the initiation of the projects .
Reeling out on the Sokoto state University Teaching Hospital project expected to discourage medical tourism and provide efficient services to the people of the state and beyond, Tambuwal said the facility was designed to provide ground for training of medical personnel in line with the required standards duly recognised by relevant professional bodies and institutions.
” Is expected to have capacity for 950 bed spaces in addition to other facilities against UDUTH 750 , Sokoto Specialists 500 and Murtala Mohammed Hospital, Sokoto’s 450 bed spaces”, he stated.
In the same vein, the governor disclosed that the state government had since embarked on the construction and renovations of additional health facilities which included a 200 spaces standard Diagnostic Centre, General Hospitals , PHCs and Dispensaries across the state with a view to have more equipped health facilities to existing ones.
Tambuwal who regrettably noted that the advent of the novel Covid- 19 had exposed the state and nation’s weakness in healthcare services and facilities, also described the pandemic as a blessing in disguise for making it possible for a renewed focus to invest in the health sector adding that ” no amount is too much for investment in the healthcare sector for humanity”
” We want to make Sokoto a destination of choice for no other thing but a medical hub for other Nigerian citizens to access services which project will be completed in 30 months . Staff recruitment will be strictly in line with standards and basic requirements of regulating bodies”, he assured.
