BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the
Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has unveiled the National and State Executive members of Bello Muhammad Goronyo (BMG) Associates for Asiwaju/Shettima 2027.
The support group was established to promote grassroots engagement, strengthen stakeholder participation and coordinate political activities across the seven North-West states.
At the inauguration and reception of the new EXCO's in Kaduna, Goronyo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth, national integration and development.
He highlighted some of the major infrastructure projects undertaken by the Federal Government, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, Trans-Saharan Corridor and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor, as well as other strategic road projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano and Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto corridors.
The minister stated that the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure development programme aimed at improving connectivity, facilitating trade, opening up economic opportunities and strengthening national integration.
He identified the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, Calabar–Abuja/Trans-Saharan corridor and Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor among the administration’s major infrastructure projects.
Goronyo highlighted developments in the rail sector and other government programmes, including the Kaduna–Kano rail project, the Kano City Rail Service and the student loan scheme, as part of the administration’s broader efforts to improve transportation, education and economic opportunities.
On the political environment ahead of the 2027 general elections, the minister called for unity, peaceful coexistence and responsible political engagement.
He suggested that President Tinubu should be allowed to complete his constitutional tenure and seek a second term, adding that the North had its turn during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Goronyo urged the newly inaugurated executives to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, discipline, accountability and commitment, while remaining responsive to the needs and concerns of the people.
He said that the inauguration marked another important step in the development and expansion of the organisation’s structure and its engagement with communities across the North-West.
The minister expressed appreciation to the organisers, executives, stakeholders, women and youths for their presence and commitment, and urged them to maintain peaceful, respectful, inclusive and responsible engagement as they carried out their various responsibilities.
As part of his support for the activities of the newly inaugurated State Executive structures, the minister presented eight Toyota vehicles to the organisation—one each for the seven Northwest state structures and one for the National Executive—to facilitate operational activities, grassroots engagement, coordination and other organisational responsibilities.
The vehicles are expected to enhance mobility and coordination across the respective states as the organisation continues to develop its structures and engage with stakeholders at various levels.
Goronyo also paid tribute to the former Governor of Sokoto State and Senator representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, whom he described as a father, leader and mentor.
He acknowledged Senator Wamakko’s contributions to political leadership and public service.
The Secretary-General and Director of Strategy and Communication of BMG Associates, Engr. Harisu H. M. Jibrila provided an insight into the origin and development of the organisation.
He explained that the promoters of the organisation had worked with Goronyo during the 2023 presidential campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and had, in the process, observed his leadership qualities, commitment and organisational capacity.
According to him, the experience strengthened their resolve to work with the Minister in building a coordinated platform capable of engaging stakeholders and communities across the North-West ahead of the 2027 political season.
A renowned Islamic scholar, member of the Kaduna State Special Hajj Committee and Adviser/Commentator on Hajj Matters and Pilgrimage Affairs, Sheikh Haliru Maraya commended Goronyo’s leadership qualities, describing him as reliable, sincere and dependable.
Maraya shared his personal experience of working with the minister and emphasised the importance of good character, trust and responsible leadership.
He highlighted infrastructure and other development interventions as areas that should be effectively communicated to citizens.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Kaduna State, Hajiya Rabi Salisu welcomed the Minister and other participants and emphasised the importance of strengthening engagement with women and youths.
She spoke on issues relating to security, economic reforms, infrastructure development and empowerment, harping on the need for stakeholders to remain connected with communities and ensure meaningful inclusion of women and young people in development and political engagement.
A youth representative and Regional Youth Leader, Abdullahi Abubakar Yola called on young people to remain united, peaceful and responsible, encouraging them to reject violence and avoid allowing themselves to be used for activities capable of creating conflict or division.
He stated the importance of education, skills acquisition, employment opportunities and youth empowerment, while calling for greater participation of young people in constructive community and political activities.
The Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), Dr. Umar Tanko Yakasai emphasised the importance of unity, respect, grassroots organisation and collective effort in strengthening the structures of BMG Associates across communities.
He commended the minister for his dedication and commitment to public service and encouraged continued engagement with stakeholders.
Dr. A. A. Mai Agogo commended the minister for his vision and initiative, pleading with the newly inaugurated National and State Executive members to remain trustworthy, disciplined and committed to the objectives of the organisation.
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nasiru Shehu Bodinga (BOBO), commended Goronyo for providing a platform for wider stakeholder engagement and called for sustained coordination among the National, State, Local Government and Ward structures.
He expressed his readiness to contribute to the activities of the organisation and efforts aimed at strengthening engagement at all levels.
Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission (NPC), representing Kaduna State, Hajiya Sa’adatu Dogon praised the minister for his foresight, vision and commitment to public service.
She recalled their involvement in the 2023 presidential campaign and expressed her readiness to support continued engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Barr. Nasiru Regachikun also commended Goronyo for the initiative and called on members of the organisation to take their message to communities and engage citizens peacefully, respectfully and responsibly.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the event expressed support for stronger grassroots engagement, increased participation of youths and women, peaceful political activities and effective coordination across the various levels of the organisation.
The occasion was attended by prominent political leaders, government officials, community leaders, women and youth representatives, as well as other stakeholders from across the North-West.
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