By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has flagged off the 2024 sales and distribution of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs.
The event was held Tuesday at the Farm Centre in Minna, the state capital.
The governor said that in order to ensure affordability, the state government has subsidised the price of fertilisers by 50 percent.
He maintained that his administration has prioritised the agricultural sector by investing in machinery and technology to boost productivity in line with his New Niger Agenda.
Governor Bago further disclosed that the government had made significant progress in delivering tractors, harvesters, and other equipment to support small-scale farmers as part of its commitment to achieving sustainable food security, reducing food costs, and addressing unemployment, especially among youths.
He appreciated development partners and the private sector that have keyed into his agricultural revolution in the state and assured them of his continued support.
He acknowledged the security challenges in the state and assured that his administration was working round the clock to ensure uninterrupted farming activities.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Musa Bawa Bosso, disclosed that the Ministry has identified over 16,000 hectares of land in Wushishi, Katcha, Agaie, and Lapai local government areas for the cultivation of rice, maize, soyabean, and sesame in line with the governor's directive to the ministry to develop a structure where every Niger State civil servant will cultivate at least one hectare to utilise the abundant arable land in the state.
He said the ministry was working assiduously in collaboration with Niger Foods and other stakeholders to support the initiative of cultivating 10,000 hectares of land in each of the 25 local government areas.
The commissioner commended the governor for his laudable agricultural revolution, which he said has received national and international accolades.
He appealed to the governor to support the resuscitation of the state's buffer stock programme, which has been on hold for several years, as it will enable the ministry to mop up grains and stock in state-owned designated warehouses during harvest for future use, thereby addressing the high cost of food crops.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Maitumbi residence of Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, overflowed with mourners as thousands of sympathisers gathered to console him following the passing of his wife, Hajiya Zaynab Yakubu Garba.
Hajiya Zaynab Garba, aged 39, succumbed to a brief illness and was confirmed dead at Standard Hospital in Minna on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. She leaves behind her husband, two children, and grieving relatives.
Among those paying their respects were State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Usman Gawu, who received other well- wishes on behalf of the bereaved family.
Notable figures, including the First Lady of the State, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago; Chief Judge Justice Halima Abdulmalik; and former Niger State Deputy Governor Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, also joined the early sympathisers at Comrade Yakubu Garba's residence along FM station in the Maitumbi area.
The gathering extended beyond political circles. Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Niger State Chapter, led by Chairman Comrade Abdulkarim Lafene, as well as representatives from the Traders Association of Nigeria, Islamic Groups, and various NGOs across the state, expressed their condolences. State and national assembly members, along with state executive council members, also stood in solidarity.
Islamic scholars from both within and outside the state took turns offering special prayers for the repose of the deceased's soul. They emphasised the need for self-reflection and unwavering submission to Allah.
The three-day Fidda'u prayer for the Deputy Governor's late wife has been announced. Press Secretary Ummikhaltume Abdullahi Kuta stated that it will take place on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 4 p.m. in Emir's Palace, Minna.
In this time of grief, the statement extends gratitude to the public, friends, relatives, and associates for their condolences and prayers. May Almighty Allah grant her eternal rest, and may the family find strength to bear this irreparable loss.