By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has said that with the ongoing infrastructural development, the state is targeting N5 trillion in GDP in the next one year.
The governor disclosed this at the groundbreaking of the 82-km Minna-Bida dual carriageway, co-financed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), and the Niger State government at Kakakpangi community in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
He noted that the project was of paramount economic importance to the state, expressing optimism that the road would create avenues for greater prosperity for the people.
He said the project would create about 3 million direct and indirect jobs for youth and women, as he has directed the contractors to patronise the services of local vendors.
While describing the event as historic and the fulfilment of his promises to the people, the farmer governor said there would be streetlights, interchanges, and an underpass at both ends of the dual carriageway.
The governor warned against compromising standards and quality, adding that schools, hospitals, and markets would be constructed by the contractors as part of their corporate social responsibilities.
He appreciated the president for granting a tax credit scheme leading to the full financing of the reconstruction of the Minna-Kontagora, Bida-Zungeru, Lapai-Mokwa, and Minna-Suleja road projects.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, commended Governor Bago for showing the way not only in agriculture but in infrastructural development and pledged to continue to support the state.
Also speaking, the Lead Consultant, Engr. Musa Nimrod explained that the road project was designed to meet global best practices, and it was divided into three lots, adding that Dantata and Sawoe will handle lot one which is 0-km15, Triacta Nigeria Ltd will execute lot two which is from km15 to km55 (40 km), while Arab Contractors will carry out lot three from km55 to km82 (27 km).
Dignitaries who attended the ceremony include the All Progressives Congress (APC), the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, National Assembly members from the state, other political office holders, traditional leaders, and party chieftains.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The government of Niger State has been called upon to strike a balance between infrastructure development and social welfare initiatives to ensure sustainable development.
This was part of the communiqué released at the end of the First Session of the 12th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Minna, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Minna.
Presided over by the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lokoja and Bishop of Minna Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev’d Daniel Abubakar Yisa, the synod said it acknowledged and valued Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago's purposeful leadership, particularly in embarking on massive and significant urban renewal projects in the state capital, Minna, innovative developmental initiatives in other cities, and impactful agricultural and rural development projects throughout the state.
"However, we observed the seemingly unabated security challenges, especially banditry in the state and rising thuggery in the state capital, as these threats can undermine the ability of the populace to fully benefit from these advancements.
"The synods note that without physical security, there will be no food security, and heavy investments in physical projects without commensurate investments in citizens’ welfare can only lead to increased poverty," the statement added.
It therefore enjoined the government to redouble its efforts to curb threats that can impede progress in the state.
On the State of the Nation, the Synod observed high-level corruption that was keeping the citizens perpetually below the poverty line and undermining citizens’ trust in the government, as well as persistent security challenges despite efforts to address them, causing fear and instability among citizens.
It further stated that the economic crisis resulting from the removal of petrol and energy subsidies has led to rising poverty levels, making it increasingly difficult for many families to make ends meet and businesses to suffocate.
The Synod expressed concern over power supply problems that had continued to plague the country in spite of regular tariff increases, hindering development efforts and making daily life challenging for millions of Nigerians.
The synod therefore recommended that Nigerians hold their leaders accountable for their actions to promote transparency and fairness.
The theme of the synod, “The Missional Church and the Limping Christian Leader: Turning your struggles into strength," underscored the idea that it was more beneficial to embrace one’s weaknesses and rely on God rather than striving for perfection or self-sufficiency.
Synod is the annual gathering of church leaders, both priests and laity, to review and assess the activities of the church within the year and propose solutions to challenges facing different congregations.