Niger State Governor Urges Local Government Chairmen To Foster Innovation 

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has urged Local Government Chairmen to embrace innovation as the catalyst for local development.

The Governor stated this  during the commencement of a significant retreat. titled “Empowering Local Government Leaders for Sustainable Development: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

The retreat which was organised by the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, brought together 25 local government leaders in Abuja.

Governor Bago emphasiwed the paramount importance of thinking outside the conventional boundaries to boost the local economy.

He underscored the necessity of capitalizing on each local government’s unique features and comparative advantages to achieve optimal outcomes.

“It’s high time we break free from the ordinary and foster growth,” the Governor urged.

Governor Bago stressed the value of long-term development planning and offered valuable insights on how to stimulate economic growth.

He implored the local leaders to collaborate closely with the State government, adopt an innovative approach to governance, and relentlessly pursue initiatives that enhance the well-being of their respective local government areas.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mua’zu Hamidu Jantabo, elucidated the retreat’s goal, which is to align the Council Chairmen with the administration’s vision, especially about Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.

Jantabo pledged unwavering support from the Ministry to empower the local leaders in executing transformative projects.

Professor Yahaya Kuta, Chairman of the Occasion, hailed the retreat as a vital initiative that brings development closer to the people.

He asserted that if the Council Chairmen can drive positive change at the grassroots level, both the State and Federal governments would benefit immensely.

The retreat aims to enrich participants’ understanding of the pivotal role of local government in achieving the SDGs, refining skills in budgeting, procurement, financial control processes, and identifying innovative strategies to surmount challenges.

Confidence Okwuchi