The newly appointed Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), Alhaji Abubakar Malam, has officially assumed office, pledging to restore the agency’s lost glory and enhance agricultural productivity across its four mandate states; Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara.
The SRRBDA, which is one of Nigeria’s 12 river basin authorities established to support irrigation farming, rural water supply, and environmental management, has played a critical role in the country’s agricultural development.
Speaking during the formal handover ceremony at the authority’s headquarters on Thursday, Malam expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him and the newly appointed executive directors with the responsibility of steering the organization toward greater efficiency.
“You will all recall that on December 18, 2024, the Federal Government under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announced our appointments after finding us worthy of this enormous task. On behalf of myself and the executive directors, I express our deep appreciation to Mr. President, the Honorable Minister of Water Resources, Engineer Joseph Utsev, and the governors of our four mandate states for their confidence in us,” he stated.
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Malam emphasized the importance of revitalizing the authority’s mandate, which includes increasing food production, alleviating poverty, driving grassroots development, and fostering sustainable agricultural investments to boost rural livelihoods.
“This organization is grassroots-driven, and we must redefine our focus towards its original purpose. Our primary goals will revolve around increasing food production, reducing poverty, improving rural investments, and ultimately enhancing the living standards of over 27 million people in our mandate states,” he added.
The new managing director also assured staff members that his administration would prioritize their welfare, instill discipline, and reward productivity to ensure efficiency in service delivery. He pledged to introduce a comprehensive action plan that would outline clear roles for management and officers, making performance assessment and quality control more effective.
While reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration, Malam pledged that the authority would align its projects with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in areas of agriculture, agro-industrial zones, livestock development, and rural economic growth.
“Our unwavering commitment should translate into rallying massive support for Mr. President now and beyond 2027. The presidential initiatives on agriculture, food security, and rural economic development will be complemented by our core mandates,” he said.
He also extended an invitation for collaboration to relevant federal and state agencies, lawmakers, and other stakeholders, stressing that partnerships would be crucial in delivering meaningful development to the people.
“I specifically appreciate the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu, as well as the governors of Sokoto and Katsina, and the APC leadership in Zamfara. We look forward to working closely with the 12 senators and 39 House of Representatives members from our mandate states to ensure we deliver the dividends of democracy,” Malam added.
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