By Suleiman Yakubu

Four local governments have advanced to the semi-final stage of the 2024 Niger State Governor's Cup Football Competition, tagged "Lapai 2024," currently taking place in Lapai town.
The local governments that have qualified are Lavun, Kontagora, Suleja, and the host, Lapai.
Lavun Local Government, reaching the semi-final stage for the first time since the competition began in 1980, edged out Mariga Local Government 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time. Mariga received significant motivation from the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji.
In a Zone C affair, Kontagora, who qualified as one of the best losers from the group stage, defeated Rijau Local Government 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, regaining their form just in time.
The host, Lapai Local Government, enjoying robust support both financially and morally from their home fans and leaders, narrowly defeated their Zone A counterparts, Gbako Local Government, by a lone goal to secure their place in the last four.
Suleja Local Government, considered one of the tournament favorites, eliminated another Zone A team, Katcha Local Government, 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
The semi-final matches are scheduled for today. Lavun will face Kontagora, while the host, Lapai, will clash with Suleja.
Meanwhile, the Council Chairman of Lavun Local Government Area, Hon. Mohammed Isah Kutigi, who is the chief supporter of the Lavun team, has promised a handsome reward for his players if they reach the finals. He made this promise while addressing the players and team officials shortly after their quarter-final match against Mariga. He also promised new football boots and a set of jerseys with each player's name emblazoned on it.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to revoke the Minna-Suleja road project contract from Salini Nigeria Limited, citing the company's inability to complete the 125-kilometer road. The governor made this appeal during a town hall meeting at the Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna, aimed at addressing key stakeholders regarding the project’s progress.
The Minna-Suleja road project, part of the larger 1068-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, has been in development for 14 years, but Bago argues Salini Construction Company lacks the capacity to meet project requirements. He proposed that the contract be reassigned to more capable contractors, specifically recommending Hi-Tech and CCEC.
Governor Bago thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing national infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, but urged additional federal support. He requested reimbursement for state resources spent on federal roads and advocated for feeder road additions along the 125-kilometer corridor to boost local agricultural access.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, echoed the governor's concerns, highlighting the persistent delays in the Minna-Suleja road completion and vowing to take strong action to accelerate the project. Umahi also announced plans for a meeting with relevant contractors, federal representatives, and state officials to expedite progress on Niger State’s federal road projects.
Emphasizing the long-term vision of the Tinubu administration, Umahi discussed the shift to concrete roads, valued for their durability and cost-effectiveness. He noted that President Tinubu inherited over 2,600 infrastructure projects and is committed to completing them. The minister called for legislative support to secure special funding for these projects, underlining their economic importance, particularly in connecting farmlands, factories, and irrigation systems along the superhighway.
Senate Committee on Works Chair, Senator Barinada Mpigi, and House Committee Chair, Akin Alabi, voiced their support, with Alabi urging a state of emergency for Niger State’s deteriorating federal roads. He also recommended an independent consultant for rigorous oversight of federal road projects nationwide. Niger East Senatorial District’s Senator Sani Mohammed Musa further advocated for prioritizing critical projects like the Zungeru bridge and Tegina-Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna road, stressing their strategic role in regional connectivity.
Traditional and local leaders, including the Etsu Nupe represented by the Emir of Kontagora, Alh. Mu’azu Barau II, praised the federal government’s efforts but called for further intervention in rehabilitating Niger’s federal roads. Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman, highlighted the project’s potential to drive economic growth and align with Governor Bago’s agricultural agenda.
The Niger State House of Assembly Speaker, Barr. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, and other stakeholders also expressed appreciation for the minister’s commitment to infrastructure, urging continued attention to the state’s pressing road needs. Representatives of communities affected by the superhighway project voiced support for its completion and requested fair compensation for affected individuals, underlining their dedication to the project’s success.
The meeting underscored the urgent need for efficient project delivery and collaboration among all levels of government to ensure Niger State’s infrastructure can support both local and national economic development.