Commends the President for His Giant Strides in Road Infrastructure
By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Honourable Minister of State for Works (HMSW), Mohammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his significant strides in road infrastructure, which he identified as a key driver of national growth and development.
The HMSW made these remarks on Wednesday, 18th December 2024, during the commissioning of a recently rehabilitated road by the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), located between Gusau and Talata Mafara towns in Zamfara State, part of the Zaria-Funtua-Gusau road.
Goronyo commended President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, commitment, and consistency in alleviating the hardships of Nigerians through quality infrastructure projects.
Having traveled extensively across the country in recent weeks to inspect and commission FERMA projects, Goronyo noted that the Gusau-Talata Mafara road has the potential to open up the state to neighboring regions, boost socio-economic activities along the corridor, reduce road accidents, and enhance travel convenience for both local residents and Nigerians at large.
The Minister also made an unscheduled stop to inspect the ongoing Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) project along the Gusau-Sokoto axis, Fajaidu section.
Once again, Goronyo expressed admiration for President Tinubu’s bold initiatives, which have enabled the successful implementation of projects where previous administrations had faltered. He described the CRCP project as an iconic initiative that will accelerate economic development in the country, further supporting the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Additionally, Goronyo lauded the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Engr. David Umahi, for his full endorsement of and active pursuit of the Renewed Hope Mandate. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration in its efforts to reposition the nation for prosperity and improve the lives of its citizens.
In Kebbi State, a large crowd of jubilant residents gathered to welcome the Honourable Minister as he formally commissioned another rehabilitated project: the Birnin Kebbi-Argungu-Sokoto State border road.
This road had been severely damaged due to heavy traffic from articulated vehicles and exacerbated by recent flooding, which made it impassable and difficult for residents and travelers. It was rehabilitated by FERMA.
During the ceremony, Goronyo again expressed his appreciation for President Tinubu, who provided the necessary financial resources to facilitate FERMA’s repairs. He also thanked FERMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, and the agency’s management team for responding swiftly to the community’s need.
Goronyo emphasized the importance of the road as a vital link between Kebbi and Sokoto states, describing the two regions as essentially one, except for their geographical distinction.
He listed the benefits of the road rehabilitation, including enhanced commercial activities, job creation, reduced travel time and vehicle maintenance costs, fewer accidents and fatalities, increased agricultural activities, and improved security—all in line with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister urged local residents to take ownership of the road and remain vigilant to prevent damage from articulated vehicles, which would require costly repairs. He also informed the community about the “OPERATION SAFE OUR ROADS” initiative, launched on Tuesday, 17th December 2024, in Ilela, Sokoto State. This initiative aims to promote responsible road usage among drivers, who must respect roads built and maintained with taxpayers’ money. Those who violate the rules will face stiff penalties as a deterrent to others.
Goronyo reassured the residents that President Tinubu values the North and is committed to its development, which was met with warm applause from the crowd.
The Commissioner for Works in Kebbi State, Engr. Abdullahi Faruk, who was present at the event, thanked President Tinubu’s administration, the Minister of State for Works, and FERMA for their swift intervention in rehabilitating the road, which he described as the most important route into the state, vital for boosting socio-economic activities.
