By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Abubakar Tanko, former Minister of State for Interior and Foreign Affairs, who passed away in Abuja.
In a condolence message delivered through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago described the passing of Alhaji Tanko as deeply saddening. He noted that Niger State and Nigeria have lost a rare gem whose absence will be profoundly felt.
Governor Bago prayed for Allah to grant the deceased Aljannat Firdausi and urged the family to find solace in Allah, who gives and takes life according to His will. He extolled the virtues of the late Alhaji Tanko, highlighting his significant contributions to the growth and development of both Niger State and Nigeria during his tenure as Minister of State for Interior and Foreign Affairs.
In a separate statement, Governor Bago also mourned the death of the Chief Imam of Minna, Malam Ibrahim Isah Fari. The governor described Malam Fari’s death as a great loss to the state and the entire Muslim community.
Governor Bago praised the late Chief Imam as a humble and peace-loving ambassador who consistently preached love and unity. He noted that Malam Fari lived a selfless and fulfilled life, dedicating himself to the propagation of Islam. The governor added that his wise counsel and advice would be greatly missed.
While commiserating with the Minna Emirate, the family members of the deceased, and the Muslim Ummah, Governor Bago prayed that Allah grants the late Chief Imam entry into Aljannat Firdausi. He also prayed for the family to find strength and solace in Allah during this difficult time.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Lapai and Lavun local governments have emerged as the finalists of this year’s Niger State Governor’s Cup Football Competition, tagged “Lapai 2024.”
In the first semi-final match held at Mohammadu Kobo Secondary School Field 1 in Lapai, the Lapai local government team triumphed over Suleja LG with a 2-1 victory. Meanwhile, Lavun LG secured their spot in the finals by defeating Kontagora LG 4-3 in a penalty shootout, following a goalless draw in regulation time at Field 2 of the same venue.
This year’s final will be an all Zone A affair, as both finalists hail from the Niger South senatorial district, known as Zone A. The match will also feature two local governments represented by prominent political figures: Hon. Hamidu Mu’azu Jantabo, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, from Lapai LG, and Hon. Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi, the Chief of Staff, from Lavun LG.
Mallam Yabagi A. Baba, Chairman of the Organizing and Disciplinary Committee of the Niger State Football Association (NSFA), praised the sportsmanship displayed by all participants throughout the tournament. He encouraged the teams competing in the third-place match and the final to maintain their high standards of play.
Mallam Yabagi, who also serves as the first vice chairman of NSFA, noted that the Lapai 2024 Governor’s Cup has exceeded expectations, with all 25 local government teams delivering surprising performances. He mentioned that NSFA is awaiting approval from the Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, for the final match date, which will be communicated to all stakeholders.
He also expressed gratitude to the Lapai Emirate, the local government council, and the local organizing committee, led by Alhaji Umar Makun Lapai, for their support and hospitality, which have contributed to the tournament’s success.