By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Government has officially signed an agreement with Flour Mills of Nigeria, welcoming the company into the Niger State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone. The signing ceremony took place at Government House, Minna, with the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman, representing the state, and the Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr. John Coumantaros, representing the company.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago highlighted that this agreement aims to build on the agricultural advancements achieved by his administration. He expressed confidence that this partnership would significantly boost agricultural and industrial development in Nigeria.
Mr. John Coumantaros, Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria, praised Niger State’s potential in agricultural industrialization. He emphasised that integrating Flour Mills into the special agro-industrial processing zone marks a significant milestone for both the company and the state. Coumantaros eloquently stated, “A farm without a factory is a weed, and a factory without a farm is a scrap,” underscoring the powerful synergy between agriculture and industry.
Commissioner for Industries, Trade, and Investment, Aminu Suleiman Takuma, assured that all necessary preparations were completed before admitting Flour Mills of Nigeria into the zone. He also mentioned that the African Development Bank (ADB) has recognised the competence and capacity of Flour Mills of Nigeria and has committed to establishing an agricultural transformation centre at Sunti once the company is fully integrated into the state’s agro-industrial processing zone.  

By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has honoured his commitments to Abdullahi Kure University Minna (AKUM) and Newgate University by presenting substantial financial support to both institutions.
In a ceremony held at Government House, Minna, Governor Bago handed over cheques of N500 million to Abdullahi Kure University and N250 million to Newgate University. This initiative aims to foster private investment in education within the state.
Additionally, the governor awarded a cheque of N86 million to cover full scholarships for 86 students of AKUM, ensuring each student receives N1 million.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Pro-Chancellor of Abdullahi Kure University, Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya, and representatives from Newgate University.
Governor Bago's earlier promises included the N500 million donation to AKUM for the establishment of six new faculties, full scholarships for 86 students, and a N250 million endowment fund for Newgate University.
Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya expressed gratitude on behalf of Abdullahi Kure University, presenting reports on livestock development in Nigeria and the master plan for the Abdulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa.