By Jabiru Hassan
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, has called for stronger professional networks and deeper collaboration to accelerate development in Sokoto State and Nigeria. He said coordinated engagement among professionals is critical to translating expertise into tangible social and economic progress.Goronyo made the call on Thursday, December 26, 2025, while delivering a keynote address at the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sokoto Professionals Network, themed “Expanding Horizons, Strengthening Bonds.” The event brought together professionals, community leaders, and elders from across the state.
Addressing participants, the minister conveyed greetings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Works. He commended the Sokoto Professionals Network for sustaining a credible platform that unites professionals across diverse sectors in the interest of Sokoto State and the nation.He described the AGM theme as timely, noting that “expanding horizons” reflects the need for growth in knowledge, innovation, and global competitiveness, while “strengthening bonds” underscores unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility.“
In today’s interconnected world, progress is no longer driven by isolated efforts,” Goronyo said. “It is driven by strong networks built on trust, professionalism, and a common vision.”The minister emphasized that professionals—engineers, doctors, educators, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and technologists—remain central to nation-building. According to him, their expertise shapes institutions, builds infrastructure, and drives economic growth.
He added that Nigeria’s development trajectory depends on how effectively professionals convert knowledge into practical solutions and individual achievements into collective societal impact. Platforms such as the Sokoto Professionals Network, he said, are essential for mentorship, policy engagement, and sustainable development.Speaking on infrastructure, Goronyo described it as a key catalyst for expanding economic and social opportunities. He said roads, bridges, and transport corridors go beyond physical construction, enabling commerce, education, healthcare delivery, security, and national integration.
Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the quality, reach, and sustainability of infrastructure nationwide. He said the administration is also prioritising professionalism, accountability, and local capacity in project execution.“Government alone cannot achieve these objectives without the support and expertise of organised professionals,” he stressed.
Goronyo urged members of the Sokoto Professionals Network to strengthen bonds within and beyond the association—between senior professionals and young graduates, between those at home and in the diaspora, and between professionals and government institutions.He noted that strong professional bonds encourage the exchange of ideas, build trust, and accelerate development. A united and constructive professional voice, he added, can significantly influence policy formulation, innovation, and community development.
As deliberations continued at the AGM, the minister challenged members to deepen mentorship, uphold ethical standards, embrace innovation, and remain united in purpose.“ By expanding your horizons, you position Sokoto professionals for global relevance; by strengthening your bonds, you create lasting value for society,” he said.Goronyo commended the leadership and resilience of the Sokoto Professionals Network and expressed confidence that its impact would continue to grow in the coming years. He concluded by offering prayers for the Network, Sokoto State, and Nigeria.
