By Suleiman Yakubu

The Assemblies of God Nigeria (AGN), National Headquarters, has created the Niger Central District of the church in Minna, the state capital.
Over the weekend, about 35 delegates from eight sections of the Church in Niger State, comprising 19 churches, converged at Minna Central to elect their officials who were to pilot the affairs of churches under the new district for the next three years, with the Resident Pastor of the Kontagora section, Rev. IgirI Josep, emerging as District Superintendent of the Church.
The election of the officers in the district, which took place at Minna Central over the weekend during the inaugural session and council meeting, was presided over by the Executive Committee member delegated by the National Headquarters of the church to oversee the election, Rev. Dr. Emeka Eze, who is also the District Superintendent of the Church in Abuja.
Also elected were Rev. Sunday Bassey as Treasurer, Rev. Michael Gyang, Rev. Gimba Shekoduza, and Rev. Kenneth Nwankwo, who were equally elected as presbyters for the district.
Speaking earlier in his message delivered during a sermon to mark the official take-off of the newly created Niger Central District, which was titled The Power of Vision, Dr. Emeka Eze emphasised the need for members to close ranks and work together with the visionary leaders whom God has raised for them to steer the affairs of the new district.
He, however, tasked members of the district with exhibiting an exemplary life by showing love and caring for one another to ensure that unity and peace were sustained in order to bring development to the district.
The executive member of the church also urged both the district members and the new leaders of the church to shun any act that will bring disunity among themselves, devoid of quarrelling and fighting.
The clergyman, who derived his message from the book of Genesis 13:14–15, said the advice became necessary to ensure that members were united in order to bring progress to the churches, saying that leadership was all about responsibility to serve people with vision, which according to him was not for fun.
He equally admonished them and their followers to remain focused on the service of God and desist from complaining about what was not available, as well as to avoid looking for failure as a visionary leader but to look ahead to the future.
Speaking on the essence of the creation of the new district in Niger state by the leadership of the church, the clergy maintained that it was all about expansion and growth, stressing that the Niger central district created was built to grow and preach unity among its members.
Rev. Dr. Emeka Eze further implored the officers of the new district to carry along every member of the church and live an exemplary life devoid of tribalism by leading as visionary leaders in all their dealings.
In his acceptance speech, the District Superintendent of Niger Central District, Rev. Joseph Igiri, thanked all 35 delegates who participated in the elections for the confidence they possessed in him, saying he would not let down their expectations while promising that he would work hard to reunite all those who left the church because of one problem or another as his first assignment as he assumed office.
He also promised to restore unity to the church by winning more souls into God's vineyard to ensure the development and upliftment of the church in all its ramifications.
Special prayers were said for the elected officials.  

By Suleiman Yakubu

Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has congratulated his principal, Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, on his award as Governor of the Year, according to Leadership Newspaper.
The Deputy Governor, in a congratulatory message signed and made available to newsmen by his Press Secretary, Ummikhaltume Abdullahi Kuta, said the conferment was a true testament to the ability and commitment of the governor towards the transformation of the state into a viable, formidable, resilient, and resourceful state through his New Niger Initiative.
He described the award as a well-deserved honour, considering the antecedents and relentless services of the governor since coming on board.
He stated that, as his deputy and confidant in the New Niger Agenda drive, he was not surprised by the award because the governor had taken a path that puts Niger State on the global map.
"Your conferment as the Governor of the Year by Leadership Newspaper did not come to most of us who are close to you as a surprise, because we have known you to be a true leader who is so passionate about the growth and development of Niger State and Nigeria as a whole," the statement added.
The Deputy Governor also acknowledged that the green economy summit convened by the Governor, as well as his efforts in curbing insecurity and transforming the agricultural sector, were unprecedented, thus giving the state global recognition, with the leadership group award as an example of such recognition.
"This award stands you out and showcases your exemplary leadership prowess towards the development of our dear state. Your developmental stride so far speaks volumes about your personality and gives us hope for a greater future in Niger State," he added.