The Sokoto Advancement Forum (SAF) was, over the weekend, barred from conducting its one-day brainstorming session on drug abuse.

The Secretary of the forum, Alhaji Malami Ladan, a retired Permanent Secretary, said: “We write to apologise to all those who came for the purpose of attending the session at the Sokoto Guest Inn Ltd, Kalambaina Road, Sokoto.

“It is pertinent to mention that all necessary arrangements were made for the conduct of the programme.

“But late evening on Friday, May 1, 2026, the attention of the forum was drawn by the management of the Guest Inn that the programme should not hold.

“Accordingly, the hotel management made a refund of the fees paid for the venue of the event and stated clearly that the powers-that-be had insisted against the conduct of the brainstorming session.

“In the light of the above, the Executive Council of the Sokoto Advancement Forum is tendering its apology to all those who came for the programme and regrets any inconvenience that the postponement might have caused.”

According to the statement, it is worthy to mention that the forum has remained undaunted in its commitment to contribute its quota to the development of Sokoto State in all areas of human endeavour

“The forum has remained non-partisan and will continuously seek the support of the government and all patriotic citizens in the pursuit of its objectives.

“It will consistently toe this path and will be focused against the misrepresentation of mischief makers.”

When contacted, the management of the hotel confirmed making the refund of the money earlier paid by the forum for the venue.

The Manager, Halls, Alhaji Abdallah Dankane, could not, however, give any further satisfactory explanation regarding the development.