In the midst of ongoing road construction, the Niger State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has appealed to Nigerlites and the public, particularly residents of Minna, to exercise patience and understanding. The closure of major roads and routes is necessary to expedite construction efforts, including the development of four significant flyovers at Tunga, Chanchaga, and Mobil Roundabout.
Niger State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Suleiman Umar, emphasized that the government is fully aware of the challenges faced by motorists and commuters due to these closures. However, he assured citizens that the inconvenience is not intentional but rather a means to achieve long-term benefits. "With patience," he stated, "we will soon witness the completion of these vital road projects."
During an interactive session with journalists, Hon. Umar highlighted the administration's commitment to urban renewal. He stressed the importance of keeping the public informed about government activities, prompting the ministry to engage with the media actively.
Motorists and commuters are advised to utilize alternative routes during this temporary closure. The goal is to ensure smoother traffic flow while construction progresses. Once all ongoing road projects are completed, normalcy will be restored.
Additionally, Engr. Olatude Ajayi, Managing Director of Benij Consultant firm, reaffirmed the commitment to quality work. The firm, known for its international standards, aims to meet the New Niger Agenda set by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. Ajayi assured that the ongoing road projects would adhere strictly to contract specifications, delivering lasting results.
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Efforts by the Niger State Government to empower over 75,000 women across the state have received a boost, with N1 billion in counterpart funds approved by the governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as a matching grant under the Nigeria For Women Project.
The Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) is a World Bank initiative introduced to enhance the livelihood of women in the state.
The approved sum by the governor was in fulfilment of his pledge to empower more women to ensure grassroots development during his visit to the Hazaka Women Affinity Group in Tufa Community in Gurara Local Government Area earlier this year.
Construction of 41 collective centres to serve as processing mills for the over 75,000 women registered under various Affinity Groups across Gurara, Agaie, and Wushishi Local Government Areas was at various levels.
Out of the 41 processing mills, 32 will be for rice, 8 for groundnut, and one for shea butter.
The Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Bago, Sadiq Yusuf, and the State Project Coordinator, Nigeria for Women Project, Bello Sarki, inspected the ongoing construction in the benefiting local government areas to ensure their completion for the launch expected to be held soon.
The centres, when completed, are expected to make many women independent and improve their economic status while contributing to food security.
A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mal. Bologi Ibrahim, said the governor had mandated the ministries of Education and Humanitarian Affairs to purchase the products processed by the women for the school feeding programme and other humanitarian services.
"The move by the government in conjunction with the World Bank will bring about unity of purpose among the women, make them socially and economically viable and independent, support their various households, bring about food security, as well as encourage the formation of cooperatives and thrift among them," the statement reads.
