By Suleiman Yakubu

The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has commissarated with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the entire labour family in the state over the demise of one of the state's veteran labour leaders, Comrade Idris Saidu Ndako. In a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Minna by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Ummikhaltume Abdullahi Kuta, the Deputy Governor described the death of the former Niger NLC Chairman as a great loss not only to his family and the NLC but to the entire state and Nigeria. The statement added that the history of the Niger NLC will be incomplete without the mention of the contributions of the late Comrade Idris Ndako, whom he said remained a Comrade and served as a veteran of the state labour struggle until his death in the early hours of Friday. Yakubu Garba described the deceased as a committed labour leader during his reign who fought for the welfare of the state civil servants, adding that his sacrifices will forever be remembered. He prayed to Allah SWT to accept the good deeds of the state former labour leader and forgive his shortcomings, as well as admit him into Aljannatul Firdausi. Comrade Yakubu Garba, who succeeded the late Comrade Idris Ndako as the state NLC Chairman before becoming the Deputy Governor, also urged the families of the deceased and the entire NLC family in the state to take solace in the fact that every living soul will definitely taste death.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TATA Group of Companies to develop agriculture in the state.
The agreement signed in Abuja was to engage the youth in mechanised farming.
According to the MoU, TATA Group will provide assets, training, and technology, while the state government is to provide support in the areas of asset acquisition, infrastructure, and commodity price stability.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State, Mal. Bologi Ibrahim, stated that the pact was expected to bring about an increase in productivity, yield, and earnings of the farmers, which will also lead to food security and sustainable job creation for the teaming youth in the state, among others.
The statement further indicated that young graduates will serve as Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for the provision of plough, harrow, ridge, and trailer services under phase one, while planters, sprayers, and harvesters will come under phase two.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago signed on behalf of the state government, while the Country Director, Agriculture and Construction Equipment Division, TATA Africa Services Nigeria, Engr. Chijoke Okoli, signed for the company.
The governor expressed optimism that the MoU will come to fruition and achieve the desired results.
On his part, Engr. Chijoke Okoli assured that TATA, as an established multinational conglomerate, will ensure it delivers its part of the agreement.