By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has announced a generous donation of N100 million to the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna to facilitate the construction of student hostels. The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by the University’s Governing Council at the Government House in Minna.
Governor Bago highlighted the need for greater collaboration among tertiary institutions in Niger State, emphasizing the importance of synergy in research and program exchanges to accelerate educational development. He expressed the state government’s ambition to transform Niger State into an educational hub.
In addition, Governor Bago revealed plans to partner with FUT Minna on the state’s Green Initiative. This collaboration aims to utilize the university’s vast land to generate power for the institution and its surrounding areas, reducing reliance on the national grid.
The governor also commended the Governing Council of FUT Minna for their initiative to introduce medical-related courses. He assured the council of the state government’s support to make this vision a reality, benefiting the citizens of Niger State.
Dr. Muhammad Kudu Santuraki, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at FUT Minna, praised the university’s achievements. He noted that FUT Minna has consistently ranked among the top ten universities in Nigeria over the past three years. The university currently offers 59 undergraduate programs, 24 postgraduate programs, and has recently approved seven new courses, with six more in the pipeline. Plans are also underway to establish a medical school in collaboration with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida.
Dr. Santuraki commended Governor Bago for his dedication to the education sector and highlighted some of the challenges faced by the institution.

By Suleiman Yakubu

In a bid to reform the mining sector in Niger State and promote responsible practices, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has engaged with members of the Miners Association of Nigeria to chart a new course forward.
During an interactive session at Government House, Minna, Governor Bago announced the impending introduction of a law aimed at ensuring responsible mining practices in the state. He highlighted the multifaceted problems associated with mining, which have necessitated government intervention for lasting solutions.
Governor Bago pointed out that mining activities have led to land degradation, water pollution, insecurity, and adverse effects on agriculture. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing these issues and creating a win-win situation for both the mining sector and the state.
The governor revealed that the forthcoming Responsible Mining Law will mandate miners to wear protective gear and adhere to international safety standards. Additionally, miners will receive training in modern, safe, and responsible mining techniques.
“There should be safe and responsible mining in Niger State. We cannot sit here and watch lives destroyed, our lands and future livelihoods degraded due to the irresponsible actions of some individuals selfishly seeking wealth,” Governor Bago stated. “Therefore, we are enacting a law that will protect our lands, water, plants, and the lives of our people around mining locations.”
Governor Bago also noted that the new law would significantly address insecurity issues. Miners will be required to provide livelihood support facilities to host communities, including schools and healthcare facilities. They will also need to profile their workers and maintain a valid identity register for security purposes.
Expressing concern over the continued mining operations in Shiroro and Munya despite the presence of terror groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram, Governor Bago stressed the need for a unified front among miners. He urged artisanal miners to form cooperatives to create a comprehensive database of all miners in the state.
With a reliable database, the government will be able to provide full support to mining associations or cooperatives, ensuring the safety of miners and host communities and the provision of basic social amenities.
The governor assured that the meetings with miners would be ongoing to foster strong collaboration between the state government and the mining sector.
Yusuf Shuaibu, the caretaker chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Niger State Chapter, along with other key figures like Mohammed Ismaila Mambo and Obed Yakwai Kango, commended the governor for his initiative. They highlighted the lack of compliance with guidelines and supervision as major causes of environmental degradation and other negative impacts of mining on host communities. They expressed optimism that the proposed Responsible Mining Bill would help address these challenges.