Niger govt. reiterates commitment to youth devt. initiatives

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

The Niger state government has reiterated its commitment to continue to support any initiative by individual groups and associations geared towards making the youth valuable to be self-reliant through entrepreneurship development.
The State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello gave the assurance at the second edition of annual Paigokni cultural fiesta held in Paiko Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by the Commissioner of Water Resources and Dams Development, Alhaji Mamman Musa stressed the need for people of the state irrespective of ethnic and religious differences to unite and learn to live in peace with each other to enhance rapid development of the state.
Governor Bello expressed delight that the concept of the festival is for the typical Gbagyi to rediscover his historical background that is full of positive activities and advised others to emulate same.
The President of the Association, Ambassador Zubairu Dada emphasized that the PaiGokni Development Association is nonpolitical targeted at promoting the cultural values as well as safeguarding the Gbagyi language from extinction.
Ambassador Dada who enumerated various educational assistance and support rendered to some schools and the youth by the Association in the area and implored parents to enroll their children especially girl child in schools.
He appreciated the state Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello and Mohammad Sani Musa 313 and other people for their support towards making the event successful.
The former Niger state Governor Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu in his remarks explained that without culture people will not appreciate who they are.
“For example if you go to other countries even in Africa they have been so colonized that you don’t see their cultural values in them but only the European values thus the importance of the gathering.”