By Suleiman Yakubu

Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has described the recent killings in Plateau State as unfortunate, saying Niger State and other states in North Central have also been victims of such carnage and have remained hopeful that such an ugly situation will be addressed.
The governor, who spoke with journalists shortly after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos, said a wholistic approach was needed to tackle the challenges of insecurity in the country and advocated open dialogue to discuss issues so that people's voices could be heard and their plight looked into.
The governor also said that food security was a priority of the present administration of President Tinubu and that the Niger State Government was very much ready for 2024, as it has made huge budgetary provisions for the sector in 2024.
He revealed that over a million hectares of land have been secured and preparations have started on the lands, assuring that before the next rainy season, over 250,000 hectares would have been prepared. The governor also disclosed the irrigation investment put in place for dry-season farming and that the state was ready to serve as a leading state in rice paddy as plans were on the ground to improve rice and cotton production.
He stated that maize will also be planted in high quantity because of its high demand, especially from poultry farmers, while also stating that Niger State is in the lead in the production of sesame.
He used the opportunity to commiserate with the president over the death of the former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu. The governor, who prayed for the deceased, also wished the president a prosperous new year.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, The Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has donated cash and bags of rice to about 1,435 beneficiaries in Niger and Kebbi states.
The cash donation and consumables, which include noodles, seasonings, drinks, biscuits, bags of rice, and maize, were shared simultaneously among the beneficiaries of parishes in Kontagora Diocese.
Speaking to journalists on Monday in Kontagora, Bishop Yohanna said it was an annual activity and a gesture to reach out to widows, widowers, orphans, and those in need.
According to him, “the gesture is geared towards improving the lives of the poor and even the less privileged in society.
“The list rose from the last time we reached out to a little above 1,000 beneficiaries. So far, for this time around, we are reaching out to 1,435 beneficiaries in the Kontagora Diocese and both parishes in Niger and Kebbi states.”
While expressing their joy, the beneficiaries commended the CAN Chairman for touching their lives, adding that “this gesture can only be from God.”.
A beneficiary, Madam Godiya Adamu, who spoke to newsmen, said she was overwhelmed with joy and expressed appreciation that the gesture from the bishop will help cushion the effect of the hardship currently biting them.