By Suleiman Yakubu

QS Idris Aliyu Hassan has emerged chairman of the Niger State chapter of the Quantity Surveyors Association of Nigeria, succeeding QS Usman Musa Jemaku.
The swearing-in ceremony and handing over of the symbol of authority, which took place at the conference hall of the state Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was attended by both old and young surveyors.
In his valedictory speech, the state-outgoing Chairman, QS Usman Musa Jemaku, started by thanking God for a successful two-year tenure in office and the overwhelming support, guidance, and numerous advice of the members, and thanked them all for their patience.
As he declared the huge success achieved, despite a series of challenges they encountered while in office; he noted that the state chapter, under his leadership, cannot only boast of a piece of land to build the association's secretariat but has also paid off all fees associated with the award of a Certificate of Occupancy in respect of the said land.
He further stated that in order to promote the engagement of quantity surveyors in the public infrastructure undertaken by the government, the association has paid a series of courtesy calls and sponsored radio programmes, both of which he said have paid the desired dividends.
Speaking also on the financial status when they assumed office, Mr. Jemaku declared that his leadership inherited the total sum of about N393,956 and were handing over power, leaving behind the sum of N223,201.
He stated that during his period as the chapter chairman, they provided an enabling environment for 31 probationer members to be upgraded and inducted into the corporate cadre of the institute.
While speaking on the assets and liabilities of the chapter, it was noted that the 8th Senate was not indebted to any individual, corporate, or private organisation either financially or materially.
He also handed over the document of peace of land as well as 28 other valuables to the new state senate executives.
In his acceptance speech, QS Idris Aliyu Hassan appreciated the members for their massive votes and the confidence bestowed upon him to serve as the 9th Chairman of the NIQS Niger State Chapter.
While accepting the enormity of the responsibility as the Senate chairman of the state chapter, he appealed for their unflinching moral support and share of advice on their past experience to move the association forward.
He assured that his administration will do all it can to carry out surveys and professional service delivery, adding that as leaders, they will not leave any stone unturned to encourage other members to do the needful and be active in participating in the chapter's programme of activities. QS Hassan noted that his greatest desire for moving the association forward will start by developing the piece of land acquired by the immediate past leadership of the state chapter.
He urged all members to draw their attention wherever they noticed derailment in action in the course of discharging their responsibilities.
The state executive members of the association included QS Umar Dantani Musa as Deputy Chairman; QS Ado Nakanti Kuta, as General Secretary; QS Adamu Liman, Assistant Secretary General; QS Asma'u Abdulsalam, as Financial Secretary; QS Hadiza Yarima, Treasurer; and QS Ya'nda Lumanko serves as Public Relations Officer and Research and Development Secretary, among others.
The oaths of office and allegiance were administered by Barr Abubakar Suleiman, while highlights of the ceremony included the transfer of the leadership symbol from the former to the new chairman and group photography.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has hinted that gold mining activities and sales in the state will be properly organised to increase revenue generation for the state.
The governor stated this at the groundbreaking of the gold market named after him and sited within the Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure Ultra Modern Market, Minna.
The multi-billion-naira Mohammed Umaru Bago International Gold Market was built by Al-istiqama Integrated Services LTD in collaboration with the Niger State government.
He disclosed that the daily sales of gold in the market were on average N1.2 billion and observed that the government does not benefit from the huge sales.
Governor Bago said the decision to get involved was to register and take inventories of gold sellers to enable the government to identify legitimate dealers.
He also disclosed that the creation of the market will help in addressing illegal gold mining in the state, adding that similar markets will subsequently be constructed in Bida, Kontagora, Suleja, and Borgu, while Kuta and Kagara will also follow suit.
Earlier, the chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Council, Aminu Ladan, said the project, when completed, will boost economic activities in the state and pave the way for new businesses to grow in the market.
He disclosed that over 150 youths have already been engaged in the project.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Al-istiqama Integrated Services Ltd., Ibrahim Shaibu Dankaka, and the Managing Director, Nasiru Sa'id Nasidi, said the project was initiated to key into the "New Niger" agenda of the present administration.
The company is expected to construct two blocks of shops in the market for gold sellers, a bank, and a restaurant, adding that some youths were already engaged in the project.