Governors Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State and Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State have praised the leadership qualities of former Sokoto State Governor and APC chieftain, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, describing him as a respected elder and a true leader whose influence extends beyond the state.
The governors spoke on Thursday in Sokoto at the graduation of 1,550 operatives of the Sokoto State Marshals Agency (SOSMA), an initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture and complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies.
Oyebanji, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony, also commended Governor Aliyu for what he described as his commitment to peace, security and the protection of lives and property across Sokoto State.
The event also marked the graduation of the first batch of 70 female operatives of the agency.
The newly trained marshals were categorised into four areas of operation: environmental protection, security and intelligence, traffic management, and protection of public infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Oyebanji described Wamakko as a “true leader” and a respected elder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria.
The Ekiti governor, who expressed appreciation to Aliyu for inviting him to Sokoto, said he held his Sokoto counterpart in high regard.
He said the training and graduation of the marshals reflected Aliyu’s determination to promote sustainable peace, security and national unity.
Oyebanji further commended the Sokoto governor’s leadership and commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents, expressing optimism that the new marshals would complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.
He said the initiative would also contribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader efforts to tackle criminality and improve security across the country.
The Ekiti governor also praised Aliyu for his continued support for the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.
In his remarks, Governor Aliyu thanked Oyebanji for honouring his invitation and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
He pledged to equip the new marshals with vehicles, motorcycles and other operational equipment to enable them to effectively discharge their duties across the state’s 23 local government areas.
According to him, the marshals will work in collaboration with the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps and conventional security agencies to strengthen security and protect residents.
While acknowledging Wamakko’s sustained moral support for his administration, Aliyu urged the new marshals to uphold discipline and integrity and to be good ambassadors of their families and local government areas.
He also commended President Tinubu for his efforts to improve security and implement policies aimed at enhancing the welfare of Nigerians.
Sultan Muammad Sa’ad Abubakar commended the state government for its efforts to improve security, stressing that safeguarding lives and property was a collective responsibility.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Bello Sifawa, said the administration was committed to tackling insecurity, noting that the government was committing substantial resources to the sector.
The security consultant who coordinated the training, retired Lt.-Gen. Shehu Ya’u, commended Governor Aliyu for entrusting him with the responsibility, saying the newly graduated marshals had received comprehensive training to equip them to respond to various security challenges.
The ceremony was attended by Wamakko, who represents Sokoto North Senatorial District; Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Bala Bodinga; National and State Assembly members from Sokoto and Ekiti states; and other dignitaries.
The event ended with the presentation of awards and prizes to marshals who distinguished themselves during the training
