By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reiterated the resolve of his administration to make a positive impact on the lives of the citizens.
The governor stated this when he paid Sallah homage to the Emir of Borgu, Barrister Muhammed Sani Haliru Dantoro IV, at his Palace in New Bussa.
Governor Umaru Bago explained that the visit was aimed at demonstrating his respect, portraying the importance of recognising and involving traditional institutions in governance, and changing the usual approach where the Emirs visit the governor after the Sallah celebration.
He further stated that his new approach would foster an inclusive and collaborative relationship between government and traditional institutions as well as serve as a platform for interaction to feel the pulse of the people.
The governor said his administration would ensure that insecurity and the issue of water scarcity, among other challenges affecting the people, would be addressed headlong.
"We want to bring governance closer to the people at the grassroots, and we have decided to now change the course to visit the Emirates.
"We have discussed with the leadership of the Emirate issues affecting them ranging from insecurity and water to sanitation. We are going to hit the ground running immediately ", he said.
He used the opportunity to encourage the people not to neglect farming as the government was making a deliberate effort to support farmers with necessary tools that would increase yields and guarantee food security, adding that women would be empowered to become self-reliant.
While maintaining that the emirate would also benefit from the urban renewal plan of the government, he appealed for their continued support and understanding.
Earlier, the Emir of Borgu, Bar. Muhammed Sani Haliru Dantoro IV, requested the governor equip the New Bussa General Hospital with modern equipment and increase the staff strength for efficient and effective service delivery.
The Emir, who was represented by the Wazirin Borgu, Abdulhameed Nuhu Sa'ad, also appealed to the governor to assist in ensuring the speedy completion and take-off of Shagunu Naval Base, as it will boost the security of the emirate.
He appreciated the governor's visit and promised to provide all the needed support for his administration to succeed.
The governor was accompanied by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi, and other key government officials.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly from the North Central Zone of the country have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the appointment of Sen. George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), saying that the appointment has given the region a sense of belonging.
The Speakers said the President did not make a mistake in the appointment of the former Benue State governor, adding that "it was a great honour done to the people of North Central States".
The Speakers, who gave the commendation when they paid the SGF a congratulatory visit in his office in Abuja on Tuesday, stated that Senator Akume was the "perfect man" for the job, going by his experience in public service and in politics.
The speakers, who were led by the Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, told their host that they were in his office to show their solidarity and equally congratulate him for the "well-deserved appointment".
According to him, "we believed that with your wealth of experience both in public service and in politics, you are the right person for the job, and Mr. President did not make any mistake in your appointment.
"We have no doubt that you will not only succeed in this assignment, you will make the entire North Central and the country proud", he added.
Speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who said he was overwhelmed by the visit, advised the state lawmakers to, as a matter of necessity, ensure that they maintain a harmonious relationship with the executive arm of government in their respective states.
The SGF told his visitors that as legislators, "you must peacefully coexist with the executive for the purpose of providing the needed development for the people because that is the essence of your being elected by the people.
"In doing this, we must ensure that there is check and balance; cooperating with the executive does not mean that you are a rubber stamp; if you fight over unnecessary things, it will rob the people of the necessary development," he said.
He therefore solicited the support of the people for the President Tinubu-led administration, saying that with only one month in office, the president has taken some bold and courageous decisions towards rescuing the country from economic stagnation.
Senator Akume mentioned that the removal of fuel subsidy, and the appointment of service chiefs from the entire geo-political zone of the country are some of the laudable decisions so far taken by the President, stressing that "all these bold and courageous decisions by Mr. President point to the fact that the country is on the path of recovery and development".
Among the delegation are Speakers of Niger, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji; Plateau, Rt. Hon. Moses Thomas Sule; Kogi, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf; and Nasarawa, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi.