SOKOTO, NIGERIA – Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, has been nominated for a prestigious international honour at the 15th World Corporation Industries Forum (WCI-FORUM) International Gala Awards 2026, scheduled to take place in Istanbul, Turkey, from October 13 to 15, 2026, in recognition of his transformative leadership, commitment to good governance, and strategic development initiatives that are repositioning Sokoto State for sustainable growth and investment.
The nomination, announced by the organizers of the global business and investment forum in strategic partnership with Leadership Scorecard Integrated Media Company Limited, acknowledges Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s achievements in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, security, agriculture, economic empowerment, and investment promotion.
WCI-FORUM Names Governor Ahmed Aliyu Outstanding Governor in Africa:
In a formal communication signed by Utku Bengisu, President and Founder of WCI-FORUM, Governor Ahmed Aliyu was nominated for the WCI-FORUM International Gala Awards Honours 2026 as:
“Outstanding Governor in Africa for Excellence in Public Sector Leadership, Sub-National Development Transformation, Human Capital Advancement, and Investment Promotion.”
According to the organizers, the nomination followed a comprehensive assessment of Sokoto State’s development trajectory under Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration and the significant progress recorded across critical sectors within a relatively short period.
The Forum noted that Sokoto State has witnessed remarkable improvements in infrastructure renewal, social services delivery, youth empowerment, security support, and agricultural development, all of which have contributed to strengthening public confidence and enhancing the state’s development profile.
Infrastructure Development Driving Economic Growth:
Among the achievements highlighted by the organizers is the administration’s aggressive investment in road construction, urban renewal, public facilities, and rural development projects across the state.
The governor’s ongoing efforts to modernize Sokoto metropolis and improve connectivity between communities through strategic road projects have been commended as essential steps toward facilitating commerce, reducing transportation costs, and stimulating economic activity. The administration has also undertaken extensive rehabilitation and completion of inherited projects, ensuring that critical infrastructure delivers value to citizens while supporting long-term economic growth.
Education and Human Capital Development:
The WCI-FORUM further praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s commitment to education through the renovation and construction of schools, provision of instructional materials, sponsorship of students on local and foreign scholarships, and support for educational institutions across the state.
The organizers described these interventions as strategic investments in human capital aimed at equipping young people with the skills required to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Healthcare and Social Welfare Reforms:
Particular attention was also drawn to the administration’s investments in healthcare infrastructure, including the upgrading of hospitals and primary healthcare facilities, procurement of medical equipment, and efforts to improve access to quality healthcare services throughout the state.
The Forum noted that these healthcare interventions align with international development goals focused on improving public health outcomes and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
Security and Community Stability:
Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s support for security agencies and community safety initiatives was recognized as a major factor contributing to peace and stability across Sokoto State.
The administration has continued to provide operational assistance, vehicles, communication equipment, and logistics support to security agencies, complementing federal efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety.
According to the organizers, a secure environment remains fundamental to attracting investment and promoting sustainable development.
Agriculture and Economic Empowerment:
As an agricultural state with enormous economic potential, Sokoto’s efforts to strengthen food production and rural livelihoods also featured prominently in the nomination.
The WCI-FORUM highlighted government initiatives supporting farmers through the distribution of agricultural inputs, irrigation development, mechanized farming support, and programmes designed to increase agricultural productivity.
The administration’s youth and women empowerment schemes, skills acquisition programmes, business grants, and entrepreneurship support initiatives were equally cited as important components of its economic transformation agenda.
Dedicated Sokoto State Investment Roundtable Proposed for Istanbul:
Beyond the award nomination, WCI-FORUM has invited Sokoto State to participate as a strategic African investment partner during the Istanbul gathering.
The organizers have proposed a special session titled:
“Sokoto State Investment Roundtable: Unlocking Opportunities in Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Livestock, Mining, Infrastructure and Regional Trade.”
The investment session is expected to showcase Sokoto State’s vast economic opportunities and connect government representatives with international investors, development finance institutions, industrialists, and business leaders from across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The Istanbul event is projected to attract thousands of policymakers, investors, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives seeking investment opportunities across emerging markets.
Showcasing Sokoto’s Investment Potential:
During the proposed investment roundtable, Sokoto State is expected to present opportunities across several strategic sectors, including:
•Agriculture and agro-processing
•Livestock development
•Renewable energy
•Solid minerals development
•Water infrastructure
•Education and healthcare
•Housing and urban development
•Digital innovation and entrepreneurship
•Regional and cross-border trade
The state is also expected to seek partnerships that will accelerate industrialization, create jobs, support food security, expand export activities, and strengthen the state’s position as a commercial gateway to the West African sub-region.
International Recognition of Sokoto’s Development Agenda:
The nomination represents a major international endorsement of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s development vision and underscores the growing recognition of Sokoto State’s progress in governance, infrastructure, economic empowerment, and social development.
If conferred, the honour will place Governor Ahmed Aliyu among a distinguished group of African leaders recognized for driving transformational change, strengthening human capital development, promoting investment, and delivering people-oriented governance.
For Sokoto State, the recognition provides an opportunity to attract new international partnerships, increase foreign direct investment, and showcase the state’s emerging role as a hub for agriculture, commerce, innovation, and sustainable development in Northern Nigeria.
With the 15th World Corporation Industries Forum scheduled for Istanbul, Turkey, from October 13 to 15, 2026, global attention will be focused on Sokoto State as it seeks to leverage international recognition into strategic partnerships and investment opportunities that will further accelerate its development agenda.
Princess Onyima Chidera Priscilia (Mrs)
Managing Director, Leadership Scorecard Magazine,
11th September 2026.
