Nigerian Government Pledges Unwavering Support for Subnational Entities
By Abubakar Hassan, Minna
The Nigerian Government has pledged unwavering support for the efforts of sub-national entities in ensuring the safety and prosperity of the people.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idiris Malagi stated this, during a grand reception held in honour of Ministers, Senators, Commissioners, and Special Advisers by Niger State Government at Justice Idiris Legbo Kutigi International conference center on Saturday in Minna.
Malagi said the Nigerian Government’s dedication to endorsing the plans of sub-national governments is aimed at safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.
Notably, the Niger state government’s commitment to aligning with the Nigerian government’s agenda for promoting national unity and prosperity received wholehearted backing.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Executive Governor of Niger state, Mohammed Bago explained that “the purpose of this event was to extend warm congratulations to the appointees irrespective of Political affiliations on their new roles and to emphasise the imperative of shaping a rejuvenated Niger state.”
Governor Bago further highlighted that Niger state boasts a remarkable 10% of the country’s arable land and is agriculturally rich due to its pastoral nature.
He passionately urged the Nigerian government to prioritize Niger state, especially in the agricultural sector, to bring about transformative development that would positively impact the lives of not only citizens in Niger but Nigerians as a whole.
The Governor said that this effort transcends political affiliations and is geared towards positioning the state to compete with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Abuja in terms of infrastructure.
Governor Bago thereby appealed to the Minister of State of Agricultural and Food Security to designate Niger state as the Pilot State for Nigerian government programmes, emphasizing the state’s suitability for such a role due to its abundant land and mineral resources.
The State Minister of Agricultural and Food Security, Abdullahi Sabi announced the ministry’s intention to develop a comprehensive roadmap encompassing all states in parts of the country, in line with the President’s agenda.
He further highlighted Niger state’s aptitude for handling Nigerian government’s pilot programmes, owing to its abundant natural resources.
The Grand reception held by Niger State Government was meant to honour all the political office holders both elected and appointed among which were three distinguished Senators from the state, along with members of the House of Representatives, State Assembly members, Commissioners, and Special Advisers.
This event underscored a collective commitment by all the stakeholders in the state to build a brighter and progressive future for Niger state in particular and the nation in general.
Mercy Chukwudiebere