In a significant development for the local economy, the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, alongside the SOCO Project Zonal Coordinating Officer, Mr. Samuel Kobina Forson, the Sagnarigu Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Madam Felicia Tettey Parliamentary Candidate for Sagnarigu, and the Chief and elders of Nag’begu, have officially commissioned the Nag’begu Livestock Market, Loading Ramp, and Revenue Collection Point.

Hon Shani Alhassan described the SOCO project as a “game changer,” citing its positive impact on the lives of people in the operational areas. He noted that the Sagnarigu Municipality is one of the eight (8) districts benefiting from the SOCO initiatives.

The first phase of the SOCO Project has awarded 58 sub-projects, with 48 completed across various sectors, including roads, health, education, water and sanitation, and markets.

He highlighted that Sagnarigu’s share of the Phase One projects includes four major initiatives: a 12-seater toilet facility at Shishegu, a 12-seater toilet facility at Kanvili, the supply of dual desks, and the historic Animal Market at Nag’begu.

The Minister also pointed out that the 58 sub-projects have generated employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled laborers.

He announced the commencement and awarding of 73 Phase Two sub-projects to contractors who are mobilizing to commence work in all SOCO-implementing districts, including Sagnarigu.

These new projects aim to significantly reduce the infrastructure deficit in the region, improve healthcare and nutritional status among women, children, and the elderly, enhance education performance, particularly at the pre-tertiary level, create job opportunities for youth, and increase household incomes.

Regarding the Local Economic Development (LED) component of the SOCO Project, the Minister reported that 2,781 individuals have benefited, with 2,588 of them being women. In Sagnarigu Municipality alone, 48 individuals have received support, including sewing machines for seamstresses, farm inputs for farmers, and tools for mechanics.

Hon. Shani commended the diligence of Mr. Samuel Kobina Forson and his SOCO team for their hard work and pledged continued collaboration.

He also expressed gratitude to the World Bank for funding the projects and made a passionate appeal for peaceful elections.

On his part, the Sagnarigu MCE, Mohammed Yakubu Ahmed Polo, expressed his joy at the realization of the project, emphasizing its role in local job creation and livelihood empowerment.

He mentioned that the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly is undertaking several Local Economic Empowerment Projects, including the establishment of satellite markets throughout the municipality.

The MCE announced that the Jisonayili Market will soon be commissioned, with three other markets at various stages of completion in Sagnarigu, Katariga, and Kalpohin.

He urged the Chief and people of Nag’begu to care for the kraal as they would their own private properties, ensuring that current and future generations benefit from it.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Sagnarigu Traditional Area, and Nag’begu Lana, Nyab Kpana Lana, expressed gratitude and excitement for the community’s benefit from such transformative economic development through the SOCO sub-projects.

He praised the SOCO Project and its officials for their positive impact and thanked the President, Vice President, Regional Minister, Sagnarigu NPP Parliamentary Candidate Felicia Tettey, and the MCE for ensuring the community’s participation in these initiatives.