December 30, (THEWILL) — The Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo, has described Nigerian professionals as indispensable drivers of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that sustainable national development depends largely on how expertise is translated into practical solutions.
Goronyo stated this while declaring open the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN) in Sokoto, the state capital.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s development trajectory has always relied on the capacity of professionals to convert individual achievements into collective national impact, stressing that institutions are strengthened through professionalism, accountability and innovation.
He described professional networks as vital platforms for mentorship, policy engagement and meaningful contributions to societal development.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Goronyo said the Federal Government is committed to improving the quality, reach and sustainability of infrastructure nationwide, while promoting local capacity, transparency and professionalism in project delivery.
“The government alone cannot achieve these objectives without the support and expertise of organised professionals,” he said.
The minister commended the leadership and members of the Sokoto Professionals Network for sustaining a credible and inclusive platform that brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds in the interest of Sokoto State and the nation at large.
Speaking on the AGM theme, “Expanding Horizons, Strengthening Bonds”, Goronyo described it as timely and reflective of current national realities.
He explained that expanding horizons represents growth in knowledge, innovation and competitiveness, while strengthening bonds highlights unity, collaboration and shared responsibility.
“In today’s interconnected world, progress is no longer driven by isolated efforts, but by strong networks built on trust, professionalism and a shared vision,” he noted.
Goronyo urged members of the network to deepen collaboration within and beyond the platform by bridging gaps between senior professionals and young graduates, those at home and in the diaspora, as well as between the private sector and government institutions.
He added that strong professional bonds foster the exchange of ideas, build trust and accelerate development, noting that a united and constructive professional voice can significantly influence policy, innovation and community development.
“As you deliberate during this AGM, I encourage you to deepen mentorship, uphold ethical standards, embrace innovation and remain united in purpose. By expanding your horizons, you position Sokoto professionals for global relevance,” the minister said.
Earlier, Chairman of the SPN Board of Trustees, Engineer Zayyanu Tambari Yabo, said the 3rd AGM reaffirmed the Network’s role as a unifying platform for professionals in Sokoto State.
He noted that SPN has consistently implemented goal-oriented programmes aimed at improving members’ livelihoods through skills acquisition, knowledge enhancement, empowerment, self-discipline and self-discovery.
Engineer Yabo added that the Network places strong emphasis on mentoring and guiding young professionals to enable them contribute meaningfully to their careers and long-term professional growth.
Also speaking, SPN Secretary, Barrister Zainab Bello Aliyu, highlighted key activities undertaken during the outgoing year, including career guidance programmes for students in selected schools, vocational training initiatives, strategic engagements with the Sokoto State Government, and courtesy visits to key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and institutional cooperation.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
