By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has described former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari as a selfless and patriotic personality whose integrity was not in doubt.
In a felicitation message on the 81st birthday of the immediate past president released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mal. Bologi Ibrahim, the governor acknowledged the commitment, diligence, and contributions of former president Buhari towards nation-building, both as a military and democratic leader.
Governor Umaru Bago said the former president has consistently exemplified qualities of a true statesman for his unwavering dedication to public service, while his integrity and moral fortitude have inspired generations and earned him the respect and admiration of Nigerians beyond his professional accomplishments.
While praying for posterity to be kind to the celebrant, the governor also wished the octogenarian more years in good health and vitality.
The governor also congratulated the immediate past governor of Niger State, Sen. Abubakar Sani Bello, on his 56th birthday.
In a birthday message, governor Bago, described his predecessor as a humble and free-minded personality.
He noted the efforts of Sani Bello towards the growth and development of the state.
He prayed that God would grant him more years filled with limitless blessings and wisdom to continue to serve humanity.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Emir of Minna, Dr. Umar Farouk Bahago, has reiterated his emirate readiness and commitment towards supporting the elimination of malaria to zero levels in Niger State.
The Emir stated this when he received the state team of "Zero Malaria Start With Me," chaired by the District Head of Makunkele, Alh. Sulaiman Abdullahi Dada, when they paid him an advocacy visit at his palace in Minna.
In appreciating the state government's gesture for inaugurating the team whose membership cut across several groups in the state, he assured that the emirate would leave no stone unturned to caution every community in the domain to desist from misuse of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
While praying for God's guidance of the team members, protection, and success, he warned residents of the state to stop dumping refuse inside drainages.
Earlier in his explanation to the emir and other traditional leaders present at the palace, the chairman of the state team, Alh. Sulaiman Abdullahi Dada, informed the gathering that the mission of the team assignment was not only to sensitise the Nigerlites of the importance of sleeping inside the treated malaria net but also to solicit continued moral and financial support from citizens.
He further explained that it was because almost all the foreign donors have stopped sponsoring the event; therefore, the responsibility of eliminating the scorge is automatically left for both the state government and the well-to-do individuals of the state.
He therefore thanked the emir for the promise of the emirate's unflinching support and assurance towards the successful conduct of the exercise in the state as a whole.
Also in her contribution, the state malaria technical team coordinator, Mrs. Amina Jimro, expressed gratitude over the cooperation of the emirate, pointing out that the upen hospitality shown by the emir is an indication of the future success of the team.
She then applauded the turnout of the team members to grace the occasion and called on the members to continue to work as a team in order to achieve their inaugural oath of office.
Highlights of the advocacy visit include group photographs, the exchange of contact numbers, and pleasantries.