Nigeria’s Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo, has described infrastructure as a powerful catalyst for expanding opportunities and strengthening national development.
Goronyo said roads, bridges, and transport corridors go beyond concrete and steel, stressing that they are critical enablers of commerce, education, healthcare, security, and social integration across the country.
The minister made the remarks while declaring open the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN), where he served as the special guest.
He urged members of the network to continue building strong connections between senior professionals and young graduates, professionals at home and those in the diaspora, as well as between professionals and government institutions.
“These bonds are essential for sustainable development and for harnessing the full potential of our human capital,” Goronyo said.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Incorporated Trustees of the Sokoto Professionals Network, Engineer Zayyanu Tambari Yabo, said the organisation had continued to build the capacity of its members through focused and goal-oriented programmes.
According to him, SPN’s initiatives are designed to improve members’ livelihoods through skills acquisition, knowledge development, empowerment, self-discipline, and self-discovery.
“We are also guiding young professionals to contribute meaningfully to their personal growth and professional development,” Engineer Yabo added.
Presenting the Secretariat’s report, the Network’s Secretary, Barrister Zainab Bello Aliyu, outlined key activities carried out in the outgoing year. These include career guidance talks for students in selected schools, engagement with the Sokoto State Government, and visits to key personalities to foster partnerships and cooperation.
She added that the network also engaged People Living with Disabilities, trained members in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and organised eight-a-side football tournaments to promote unity and healthy interaction among members.
