Zulum applauds Aliyu’s performance as Sokoto unveils IDP homes, solar power, and economic projects in Illela.

Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday commissioned several projects executed by the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The projects include 100 housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs), Climate Peace Hubs, a 50-kilowatt solar mini-grid, and the foundation-laying ceremony for the Illela International Market.

Speaking during the event, Governor Zulum said the projects would significantly improve the lives of displaced persons while boosting economic activities in the area.
He noted that the housing scheme would provide a new beginning for families affected by displacement, while the Climate Peace Hubs and solar mini-grid would enhance access to essential services and support sustainable development across Sokoto State.
On the Illela International Market project, Zulum said it would stimulate trade, create employment opportunities, and promote long-term prosperity.
He further stated that the market would strengthen social and cultural ties between communities in Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic, encourage peaceful coexistence, and deepen international cooperation.
Governor Zulum commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for what he described as remarkable achievements within three years in office and endorsed him for a second term.
According to him, Governor Aliyu has surpassed expectations and ranks among the best-performing governors in Nigeria.
“The Governor has performed beyond our expectations. In fact, he is one of the best-performing governors in the country.
“To be sincere and candid, immediately after his election, we did not expect that the Governor would perform to this level.
“I want to announce to the general public and the people of Sokoto State that indeed Dr. Ahmed Aliyu is one of the performing governors in Nigeria,” he said.
Zulum added that Aliyu’s performance justifies a second term in office.
“I am optimistic that if you re-elect Governor Aliyu for a second term, he will perform even better than he has done so far,” he added.
The Borno governor also praised Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko for his contributions to national development and effective representation at the National Assembly.
In his remarks, Governor Ahmed Aliyu announced a donation of ₦500,000 to each beneficiary occupying the 100 IDP housing units as start-up capital.
He explained that the decision to build the houses in Illela was prompted by the devastating floods experienced in the area over the last two years, which displaced many residents.
According to him, the housing units were designed to provide a safer, more comfortable, and habitable environment for affected persons to rebuild their lives.
Governor Aliyu stated that the Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with the UNDP, initiated the housing project to address the challenges facing displaced communities.
“Similarly, arrangements have been concluded for the construction of additional housing units for IDPs in other parts of the state, particularly in areas affected by banditry, in order to provide relief and restore hope to those who have been displaced,” he said.
The governor described the initiative as part of broader interventions by his administration to assist people displaced by insecurity and natural disasters.
“Over the past three years, we have consistently provided food items, clothing materials, building materials, and cash assistance to improve their living conditions and restore their dignity,” he said.
Governor Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to all parts of Sokoto State.
He also expressed appreciation to the UNDP and the German Government for their support in making the project a reality.
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Baraden Wamakko, Alhaji Ahmed Barade, commended Governor Aliyu for establishing the housing scheme and assured him of the continued support of the Sultanate Council.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Asabe Balarabe; German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Annette Günther; UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu.
The event was attended by APC leader Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Senator MT Munguno, Deputy Governor Idris Muhammed Gobir, Minister of State for Works Barrister Bello Goronyo, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, Deputy Speaker Kabir Ibrahim Kware, members of the National and State Assemblies, Secretary to the State Government Muhammad Bello Sifawa, Chief of Staff Government House Sokoto Aminu Haliru Dikko, Head of Service Abdulkadir Ahmed, commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, and other top government officials.
Signed:
Abubakar Bawa
Director General, Media and Publicity
Government House, Sokoto
16th June, 2026