By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Government has categorically refuted reports claiming that Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago's convoy was attacked by suspected bandits during a tour of projects in Mashegu Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Bologi Ibrahim, the reports were described as baseless, false, and unfounded. He emphasized that the governor’s convoy has experienced a smooth and peaceful tour of ongoing projects across the Niger North Senatorial District since the commencement of the exercise last week.
“There has been no incident of any attack or threat to the safety of the governor or his team,” the statement read. “Instead, the governor has been warmly received by community members at all locations visited. Security personnel, in collaboration with local law enforcement, have been proactive and resolute in ensuring the safety of all participants in the tour.”
Mr. Ibrahim criticized certain media outlets for propagating unverified stories, labeling such actions as unethical and misleading. He called on the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger State Council to uphold journalistic standards by ensuring only trained professionals practice in the field.
“Journalists must adhere to the ethics of their profession and remember their vital role as stakeholders in nation-building,” he advised.
Earlier reports from some media outlets alleged that the governor’s convoy was ambushed by armed bandits in Egede, a remote village in Mashegu, during their return to Kontagora. The reports claimed that the security detail attached to the convoy engaged the attackers in a gun duel, neutralizing several bandits, with some fleeing into nearby bushes. It was further alleged that vehicles in the convoy sustained damage, including a bulletproof Counter-Terrorism Unit vehicle and a Hilux truck.
The Niger State Government has dismissed these claims, maintaining that the governor’s engagements have been conducted without incident, and assuring the public of the administration's commitment to transparency and security.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Contributory Health Insurance Agency (NiCare) recently held an interactive session with members of the informal sector to raise awareness about the benefits of the contributory health insurance scheme.
Representing the Executive Secretary of NiCare, Sulayman Abu-Bakr, the Director of Administration, Ramatu Ismael Aliyu, emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring that all Nigerlites, especially those at the grassroots, have access to stress-free and affordable healthcare.
Aliyu highlighted that NiCare has been actively visiting communities across various local government areas to educate residents about the scheme. The agency recognized the need to engage market women, Keke NAPEP riders, mechanics, and other informal sector workers to ensure they understand how the scheme operates.
The scheme aims to foster a community where the healthy support the sick and the wealthy assist the less privileged. With a registration fee of just N12,000, participants can access medical services worth over N100,000. Aliyu urged members of the informal sector to take advantage of this opportunity.
Dr. Fabong Jemchang, a consultant for the health insurance scheme, delivered a lecture on its importance and benefits. He assured attendees that NiCare is a reliable, legally-backed scheme designed to provide affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare through principles of harmony, risk-sharing, and resource pooling.
Dr. Jemchang emphasized that the scheme allows everyone in the state to contribute a small amount and receive quality healthcare without paying at the point of need. He noted that healthcare is a fundamental human right and that a healthy population contributes to the state’s economic development.
He also mentioned that the scheme is operational in all 36 states of the Federation and the FCT, and praised Governor Mohammed Umar Bago for his support and new initiatives to sustain the scheme.
Hajiya Habibah Umar, head of the informal sector at NiCare, explained that the agency was established to reduce the financial burden of accessing healthcare. She clarified that registration is annual, but there is no limit to the number of services an enrollee can receive within the year.
Umar encouraged informal sector members to enroll in the scheme, highlighting its affordability and the quality healthcare it provides.
The session included contributions and questions from the informal sector members present, fostering a productive dialogue about the scheme’s benefits and operations.