Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has felicitated with the Muslim communities across the state and beyond on the occasion of Eid-el Maulud, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
In a felicitation message signed and made available to newsmen by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Ummikhaltume Abdullahi Kuta, the Deputy Governor urged Muslims to imbibe the spirit of compassion and help one another, as exemplified by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad Rasulullah (SAW).
He equally urged all adherents of Islam in the state to use the occasion of Maulud to offer special prayers for security and peaceful coexistence across the state.
Comrade Yakubu Garba believes that constant prayers, especially on special occasions like the Maulud Nabiyu celebration, are essential to ensuring that Niger State remains economically, politically, and socially stable with a continuous, steady path to the fulfilment of the yearnings of the people.
"Our vision of a strong, united, and prosperous Niger State needs the collective effort of all Nigerlites, and with prayers, this is achievable," said the Deputy Governor.
According to the Deputy Governor, the teachings of the Prophet lies in patience, piety, charity, tolerance, justice, and peaceful co-existence, irrespective of religious inclinations, in our collective effort to overcome our challenges, particularly security and economic challenges.
Comrade Yakubu Garba also used the opportunity to reassure all Nigerlites that their administration will continue to be guided by the ideals of fairness, equity, and justice for all.
He reaffirmed his personal commitment to working diligently and tirelessly to support his principal, Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago, in his quest to build the new Niger State of our dreams, urging all Nigerlites to support the programmes and policies of the present administration for a better Niger state.
Niger State Governor, Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago, has disclosed that corruption and a lack of patriotism were the major factors militating against the development of the state and societies generally.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, stated this at a daylong workshop on "Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development for Decent Employment in Nigeria", known as the Pro-poor Growth and Promotion of Employment Programme, organised by GIZ SEDIN Nigeria, held at the Guidel Hotel, Minna, on Tuesday.
He observed that corruption, lack of patriotism, and aggrandisement were responsible for the problem of underdevelopment we are faced with today, adding that good governance and accountability for the general good have become a mirage while righteousness has now become an orphan.
The governor disclosed that the statistics of inequality on a wide range of indices in the state were disturbing, as over half of the state population lives below the poverty line, he enumerated other ills bedevilling the state to include insecurity, lack of quality and affordable education, economic downturn, poor healthcare services, lack of access to roads, and unemployment.
He said the government was not unaware of the challenges hindering the state's development to its full potential, adding that the challenges were surmountable and that the administration of Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago was determined to propel a paradigm shift.
"We shall break barriers, push through our limitations, and set a new bar in addressing these challenges," the governor assured.
He also declared the state government's support for the German agency for international cooperation to increase and improve employment, power supply, access to education, peace and security, access to funds, vocational skills acquisition, and food security, among others.
He also observed that development and the general good of all can only be achieved through sacrifices, saying that as the government and development partners renew their commitment towards achieving the desired growth and development of the state, the citizens' support is also needed.
While appreciating GIZ SEDIN for its numerous interventions aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of Nigerlites, he said the agency had proven to be a worthy development partner and that the state government will provide all the necessary support that will enhance the success of GIZ programmes in the state.
Earlier, head of GIZ SEDIN Nigeria, Mr. Markus Wauschuhn, said GIZ had been in Nigeria since 1975 and in Niger State since 1990, where it went into fish farming promotion in the Kanji Lake in New Bussa.
He explained that GIZ SEDIN had achieved a multitude of prospects in Niger State aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of the people in the aspects of health, entrepreneurship, economy, employment, agriculture, security, and support to SMSEs, among others, ensuring the agency's continuous support in improving the living conditions of the people in the state.
