Former Abia State Governor and Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has commended the rapid pace of development in Sokoto State after commissioning a network of 10 newly completed roads in Arkilla New Layout, describing Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s infrastructure agenda as a model for grassroots-driven development.
The commissioning ceremony, which drew government officials, traditional leaders and residents, highlighted what many observers see as one of the state’s most ambitious urban renewal efforts in recent years.
Kalu said the projects reflect a leadership committed to translating public resources into visible improvements in the lives of citizens, stressing that investments in road infrastructure remain essential for economic growth, social integration and sustainable development.
According to him, the newly completed roads will not only improve connectivity within the fast-growing community but also unlock fresh economic opportunities for businesses and residents.
The former governor praised Aliyu’s administration for maintaining a strong focus on infrastructure delivery, noting that the visible transformation across Sokoto State has continued to attract national attention.
Beyond infrastructure, Kalu urged Nigerians to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence, warning against divisive narratives capable of undermining the country’s stability and progress.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ahmed Aliyu disclosed that the Arkilla New Layout Road Network was constructed at a cost of N3.5 billion as part of his administration’s broader commitment to modernising critical infrastructure and expanding access to essential services.
He explained that the project was designed to address the needs of a rapidly growing urban population by improving transportation, enhancing safety and stimulating commercial activities within the area.
Aliyu reaffirmed that road construction remains central to his administration’s development blueprint, revealing that several other road projects across communities such as Gawon Nama, Mabera, Gidan Igwai and Tudun Wada have either been completed or are progressing steadily.
The governor maintained that sustained investment in infrastructure would continue to serve as a catalyst for economic expansion, job creation and improved living standards across the state.
In separate remarks, representatives of the Sultanate Council and community leaders praised the administration for delivering projects they said are directly impacting the lives of ordinary residents, describing the new roads as a major boost to mobility, commerce and urban development.
For many residents of Arkilla New Layout, the commissioning marked more than the completion of a road project—it symbolised a growing confidence in the state’s ongoing transformation and development trajectory.