By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has assigned portfolios to commissioner designates recently screened by the state House of Assembly.
In a press release made available to Newsline, the chief press secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Mal. Bologi Ibrahim, said Aminu Suleiman Takuma is to Head the Ministry of Industries, Trade, and Investment; Hadiza Idris Kuta, Transport; and Umar Yabagi, Commissioner for Science and Technology. Phalal Mohammed Bako is the Commissioner for Rural Development, while Musa Bawa Bosso is the Commissioner for Agriculture.
Others are Yakubu M. Kolo, Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, and Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education. Bashir Mohammed Lokogoma is the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy; Dr. Bello Tukur is the Commissioner for Science and Tertiary Health; and Dr. Ibrahim Dangana is to Head the Ministry for Primary Health.
Also, Gen. Garba Abdullahi Mohammed RTD is Commissioner for Homeland Security; Yahaya Abubakar Gwagwa heads Water Resources; Ahmed Baba Suleiman Yumu is Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management; Suleiman Umar is the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; and Ibrahim Mami Ijah is the Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries. Hon. Binta Mamman is Commissioner for Information and Strategy, while Muazu Hamidu Jantabo heads the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Furthermore, Barrister Maurice Magaji is Commissioner for Lands and Survey, and Lawal Maikano is Commissioner for Finance. Umar Rabe Sanda, Ministry for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs; Hajiya Titi Auta heads the Ministry for Women's Affairs; Garba Sabo Yahaya is the Commissioner for Mineral Resources; Mustapha Ndajiwo is the Commissioner for Budget and Planning; and Suleiman Isah is the Commissioner for Communication Technology and the Digital Economy.
Hon. Abdullahi Umar is Commissioner for Housing and Urban Renewal; Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Mamagi heads the Ministry for Tertiary Education; Elizabeth Shaba heads the Ministry for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises; Fatima Adamu is the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Nasiru Muazu heads the Ministry for Justice; and Yahaya Ibrahim Gulbin-Boka is the Commissioner for Sport and Youth Development.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has disclosed that his administration has resolved all setbacks hindering the completion of the Minna-Bida road project.
The governor made the disclosure when he met with officials of the Islamic Development Bank and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, co-financiers of the Minna-Bida Road project, at their offices in Abuja.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mal. Bologi Ibrahim, the governor said approval of N3.5 billion has been obtained to be paid as compensation to those affected by the roads project, adding that a committee has been constituted in that regard.
He requested the Islamic Development Bank to fast-track the ongoing processes to enable a ground-breaking ceremony for the project in November this year.
Governor Umaru Bago admitted that upgrading roads in the State will significantly address the infrastructural deficit, pointing out that the state government has identified 28 roads spanning a collective distance of 803 km that will be reconstructed.
While seeking more collaboration with the development partners in the area of Agriculture to ensure food security, the governor appreciated the Islamic Development Bank for its cooperation and willingness to support the state.
The Country Operations Manager, Regional Hub of Abuja, Mamadou Alpha Bah, identified motivation as a key factor that will play out in achieving the set objectives and assured that the Islamic Development Bank will continue to partner the state government in other key areas of development.
He appreciated the Niger State government's commitment to meeting the needs of its citizens.
The Operations Lead Manager for the Minna-Bida road project, Alagi Basiru Gaye, assured Nigerites that the project would be completed at the stipulated time and would not compromise quality.