Half a century has passed since my first breath in Minna, and never before have the winds of change blown as they do now. The city, the beating heart of Niger State, is undergoing a renaissance, a metamorphosis so profound that has never been witnessed since the city’s birth in 1976. At the helm of this monumental transformation is Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the master architect of a new dawn.
Needless to say, but in the history of leadership, it is rare to find a tailor like Bago, who not only envisions a vibrant pattern of change but also threads it into the fabric of reality with swift, decisive strokes.
Surely there has not been a dull moment since his ascension to office on May 29, 2023. As soon as he was inaugurated, Governor Bago ignited a beacon of infrastructural development, urban renewal, and a green economy initiative, setting Niger State ablaze with progress.
Within the first week, he tackled the infamous Kaduna–Suleja-Abuja highway gridlock caused by the weekly Madalla market, a quagmire of commerce and chaos that had long ensnared commuters. With a stroke of governance, he banished the roadside market and tamed the vehicular wilds, restoring order and safety to travelers.
Governor Bago’s vision for Minna is not confined to its borders. With N200 billion at his command, he is weaving 202 kilometers of township roads into the city’s landscape, infusing it with new life. His gaze stretches further, to the construction of 1,400 kilometers of roads across the state, promising a future where Kontagora and Bida are but a smooth drive away.
In a bold display of shrewdness, he addressed the encroachment of buildings upon waterways, ordering the demolition of obstructions, including the Chanchaga Divisional Police Post. In its stead, he erected a modern bastion for law enforcement, turning an environmental concern into an opportunity for progress.
Financial wizardry marked his handling of the N600 million debt to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), clearing the backlog and illuminating the path for government operations. This became necessary as hitherto some government organisations were struggling under the burden of electricity bills.q
The 2022 Revenue Law was Bago’s answer to fiscal leakages, freezing accounts to forge a centralized financial dashboard, resulting in N10 billion in savings within four months—a fiscal feat of transparency and accountability.
His administration’s strides in clearing a part of salary arrears of local governments for the year 2020 that had been left unpaid, bolstering education and healthcare; and empowering women and youth have woven a tapestry of hope and opportunity throughout the state.
The transformation of the Shiroro Hotel Minna into the Ibrahim Badamasi University Lapai Teaching Hospital is yet another feather in the cap of Governor Bago’s administration. This change from a hospitality establishment to a bastion of health education symbolizes the progressive spirit that has been infused into the heart of Niger State. It’s a physical manifestation of the Governor’s commitment to not only enhancing the state’s healthcare system but also nurturing the next generation of medical professionals.
In a bold move to transform the state technologically, Governor Bago has recently announced the sponsorship of 1,000 students to study science-related courses in India. Recognizing the rapid evolution of technology, he urges the citizens of Niger State to harness this potential for their benefit and the state’s advancement.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago is leading a partnership with Origin Group and Campo Company of Brazil to revolutionize the state's agricultural landscape. The Total Agricultural Support Programme (TASP) aims to boost food production, wealth creation, and empower the population. Under the arrangement, the state received a range of agricultural equipment, including tractors, harvesters, and irrigation implements.
Specifically, the state received a game-changing arsenal of agricultural equipment. Picture this: 500 robust tractors, 500 versatile harvesters, and a staggering 1000 diverse implements for irrigation and farming. These cutting-edge tools are not mere machinery; they represent hope, progress, and resilience for Niger State's farmers. The program focuses on developing 50,000 hectares of fully irrigated food production hubs, aiming to break free from rain-dependent agriculture and increase crop yields.
In addition, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago's unwavering commitment to agricultural revolution extends beyond the immediate gains; he aspires to position the state as Nigeria's agricultural epicenter. With determination and foresight, he charts a course toward self-sufficiency, economic growth, and a brighter future for every citizen.
In the fertile soil of Niger State, seeds of progress have been sown. As the tractors roar and the harvesters dance, hope blossoms—a promise fulfilled, one furrow at a time.
Surely, under the leadership of Governor Bago, a New Dawn in Agriculture in Niger State is born. A multi-billion-naira Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, heralding a partnership with the Lagos Rice Company, the Lagos Commodity Future Exchange, and Niger Foods Limited. This alliance was not merely a business transaction; it was a pledge to transform rice production into a harmonious blend of soil, sustenance, and shared prosperity.
Niger Foods Limited is expected to cultivate an impressive 20,000 hectares of Niger State’s fertile lands, and harvest an astounding 300,000 tonnes of rice. This initiative promised to elevate the state’s agricultural status and set a precedent for future endeavours. On their part, the Lagos Rice Company would serve as the crucial link ensuring that the fruits of labor would not only reach markets but become a staple in homes, nourishing families and communities alike. And the Lagos Commodity Exchange would provide a robust N100 billion backing, the financial bedrock to secure the project’s longevity, safeguarding it against economic fluctuations and ensuring its growth.
At the forefront of this agricultural renaissance stood Governor Umaru Bago, dubbed the ‘Farmer Governor.’ His hands, though calloused from labour, were a testament to his dedication to the land and its people. This venture was surely more than just about cultivating rice; it was a symbol of empowerment. Through this agreement, the hardworking farmers of Niger State were promised more than just profits; they were assured dignity and a reinforced livelihood.
The revival of Minna Airport stands as a testament to Governor Bago’s unwavering resolve. Once dormant, the airport now thrives under his guidance, with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Domestic Terminal heralding a new chapter in aviation history.
Governor Bago’s partnership with FAAN promises to elevate Minna Airport beyond a mere travel stop to a pulsating hub of commerce and connection. The upcoming cargo and international terminals are poised to embroider Minna’s skies with the threads of global opportunity.
As the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport unfurls its wings with cutting-edge technology, it beckons travelers with the promise of safety, precision, and elegance, rivaling Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Governor Bago’s first year in office has been a mosaic of achievements, with each tile of progress contributing to the grand portrait of a “New Niger.” His leadership has earned him the title of “Governor of the Year 2023,” a moniker as deserved as it is reflective of the hope he has instilled in the hearts of Niger State’s people.
Bago’s first year has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a journey through which the state has seen an unprecedented scale of development. His accomplishments are indeed too numerous to encapsulate in mere words. Without fear of contradiction, the sheer volume of his achievements casts a stark contrast against the backdrop of what one might consider ‘wasted years’—a period where progress seemed to stagnate, and the aspirations of the people were left unattended.