We have many reasons to celebrate the Golden Jubilee; first and foremost, it is our home; we have no other home. The state has contributed enormously to the growth of Nigeria; it gave the FCT more than seventy percent of its land. Since the return of democracy in 1999, the state has been governed by four leaders, namely Engineer Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure of blessed memory, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, and presently Governor Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago.
These leaders contributed and did their best to give the state the needed developmental strides. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the executive governor of Niger State, is transforming the state. In the little over two years as governor, he has brought immense infrastructure drives. The state is on the way to greater heights. He has given agriculture topmost priority; the state today has become a reference point for agricultural revolution in Nigeria. With the agriculture policies of Bago's government, many citizens of the state are now into farming. Things will only get better as the state encourages more citizens to key into farming with favorable agricultural policies.
The area the government has invested more in is the provision of infrastructure; projects undertaken by the state government are legacy projects; they are projects that will stand the test of time. Minna, the state capital, has for long not received the needed infrastructure. The government of Umaru Bago is changing the narrative by embarking on gigantic projects such as flyovers, construction and reconstruction of township roads, building of health centers, and provision of solar street lights. It is safe to say a new Minna is being rebuilt by the government of Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago.
Other parts of the state are not left out; each local government headquarters is receiving attention; five kilometers of roads are being built in each local government, while towns like Kontagora, Bida, and Suleja are having more than five kilometers of roads. Education and Health are receiving attention; more than 20 ultra-modern primary healthcare centers are being built, with almost all completed and in use. Minna, Suleja, and other general hospitals are being expanded with modern equipment supplied. A Teaching Hospital is being built in Minna for Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University. Many Primary Schools are being rebuilt, with many other interventions in the education sector.
People's welfare is also important to Governor Bago; he has been consistent in the payment of salaries; pensioners are attended to as and when due. It is worthy to note that change doesn't come easily; constructions are not done overnight; one thing is certain, Niger State is on the path of progress; a New Niger is here.
The state is poised to become one of the top states in Nigeria, with its rich human and natural resources. With the current momentum, the future looks bright for Niger State.
Ahmed Haruna Tswata is the Publisher of Fortune World Magazine.
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