By Bologi Ibrahim
Governor Mohammed Umaru BAGO of Nigeria State in North Central Nigeria launched his administration, two years ago, with a ‘social contract’ to improve the livelihood of Nigerlites, advance urban and rural development as well as foster sustainable economy of the state.
The statement in the Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s manifesto which, then, seemed like mere rhetorics now clearly and evidently defines the essence of the present transformative initiative of the present administration which is evolving into a New and Sustainable Niger.
Good and inclusive governance as well as people’s trust are, perhaps, the most important factors in the quest for the socioeconomic development of any society. Its’ imperative is such that it brings with it and indeed guarantees stability, prosperity and collective wellbeing of the people.
In establishing good governance, a leader must come with vision, courage, tolerance and humility in order to make that quantum leap because transformation, progress and development are not achieved in a vacuum. Indeed, hard work is fundamentally a prerequisite for building today for tomorrow and automatically earning the trust of the people.
As the 6th executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Farmer Umar Mohammed Bago realized how fulfilling the social contract with the people would not only be vital to his success but that all campaign promises must be delivered to earn and sustain that trust and consequentially avoid the fatal mistakes of his predecessors.
Within two years, Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has confronted the diversity and development challenges of Niger State with greater resilience and patriotic vigour through the strategic implementation of the administration’s policy thrust which is expectedly triggering hope and improvement in the socioeconomic conditions of the people.
This policy thrust and or roadmap targets a transformation programme that would, in the final analysis, help accelerates good governance, overcome obstacles and harness full potentials of the state in order to spur inclusive growth, support economic transformation and promotes development.
With a resolve to tackle mirage of developmental challenges facing the state, the Governor listed security, agriculture, education, commerce, tourism, health, infrastructural development,women and youth empowerment as the central focus and priorities of the administration as contained in his inaugural address to the people of the state shortly after taking the oath of allegiance.
The new administration has since taken the issue of security seriously. The re-articulation of the state’s development agenda upholds insecurity as the most compelling task ahead of the government.
Thus, the Governor, has sustained visitation and consultations with the nation’s Service Chiefs and Heads of Para-military outfits, to consolidate on the already established, long-term collaboration with security agencies towards a peaceful Niger State. He has provided vehicles and other logistics necessary to checkmate the increasing criminal activities, especially within Minna, the state capital and other major cities in the state.
Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has focused on significant infrastructure development, embarking on massive road construction projects, overhead bridges, underpasses as well as 556km roads across the state as part of the administration’s overall urban and rural renewal policy.
Governor Umaru Bago, within the period under review, strived to boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state. He has so far achieved the revenue target of N100Billion annually and is diversifying the state’s economy through agriculture, solid minerals and tourism as well as looking out to other potential areas of comparative economic advantage.
In repositioning the state for greatness, the Governor is aware and recognizes the potential of agriculture to rapidly promote growth as the backbone of the state’s economy.
Consequently, the administration facilitated the attainment of food sufficiency through agriculture, establishing Niger Foods and the Green House Initiative for the planting and exporting of Flowers and Vegetables worldwide, thereby providing jobs across all its value chain while also providing the needed revenue for critical development of the state and reduce the over-dependence on Federal allocation.
The state government is also leveraging on assistance from International Development Partners, Aid and Donor Agencies to fund some critical and potential revenue-yielding sectors of the state’s economy especially tourism and rural roads infrastructure.
Promoting gender and youth mainstreaming is essential for an all inclusive government. And Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has decided to inspiringly support the future. He wants to bring women and youth not just to the table but empowered to make meaningful contributions to the progress and development of the state.
In this regard, the Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has promoted gender inclusivity and fulfilling his pledge to appoint female Vice Chairmen and or Secretaries in all the Local Government Councils while also reflecting such sensitivity in his cabinet with women occupying significant positions.
“Our administration is determined to create a better future for youths and women. We will continue to create opportunities for gainful employment for them within the state and beyond”. I am confident that the engagement of our women and youth in skill acquisition will create the desired multiplier effects to change their socioeconomic status.
The government understands the yearnings and expectations of the people, which is why it has chosen to do things differently i.e. taking a departure from the past, and in the overall interest of the people.
It is in demonstration of this resolve that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago revoked the houses and plots of land at the proposed 3-arms zone in Minna, which was sold to commissioners and other top government officials by the immediate past administration . The 3-arms zone which is presently at various stages of completion is expected to provide accommodation to the 3-arms of government as was contained in the original masterplan.
A better future is here, within our grasp. Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago is fully armed with a modern governance framework, a pro-growth and development policy to reposition Niger State and bring inclusive growth and development for the overall prosperity of all.
Indeed, the administration has demonstrated genuine interest in the welfare of its people and the capacity to deliver. There is high optimism amongst Nigerlites, and with our collective support and cooperation, the new government will achieve remarkable milestones beyond our expectations. Again, Niger State is a work in progress. We are getting there!
Bologi Ibrahim is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger state.
