By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, has paid Sallah homage to Agaie, Lapai, and Suleja emirates, where he reassured the people of the three emirates of his commitment to fulfilling all his campaign promises.
He urged the people to embrace farming and assured them of the state government's support to take advantage of the abundant arable land and water bodies in the state to ensure food security and sufficiency.
He disclosed that he was determined to transform Agaie, Lapai, and Suleja into a model city, and he said some of their policies would come with their own pains as some private structures would be affected.
He said the projects, particularly the road network projects, would commence in no time and appealed to those whose structures might be affected to be patient with the process.
"We have come to pay you Sallah homage and to celebrate with you; we are also here to see how you are doing and to reassure you of our desire to fulfil our campaign promises.
"We are aware of some of your challenges and we have taken note of them, which include poor road networks, water, and education, and very soon we will start addressing them squarely one after the other," said the Governor.
He said youth and women will not be left out, as they will be empowered to be self-reliant.
While appreciating the Emirs for their warm reception, the Governor also solicited the support and cooperation of Nigerlites, as well as their prayers for the administration to succeed in their quest for a new Niger State.
In their separate remarks, the Emirs of Agaie, Lapai, and Suleja, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, Alhaji Umaru Bago Tafiya II, and Mallam Awwal Ibrahim, appreciated the Governor's visit, saying it was a rare privilege for them to have him celebrate Sallah with them.
They assured him of their support, prayers, and readiness to provide an advisory role at any given time.
Other members of the Governor's entourage included the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba; the Secretary to State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu; Member representing Bida, Gbako, and Katcha Federal Constituency, Hon Sa'idu Musa Abdul (SMA); the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi; and others.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on the people to go back to farming, saying he would like to make history with the opportunity given him as governor of the state.
He then reiterated his government's commitment to boost the agricultural potential of the state.
The governor stated this today at Hawan Bariki, a traditional sallah celebration at the Etsu Nupe Palace in Bida, Bida Local Government Area of the state.
Hon. Umar Bago, who returned from Saudi Arabia after performing the Hajj, said he was delighted to witness this year's traditional Sallah celebration in his home town of Bida.
He said his government will positively promote culture and tourism, which will elevate the state to global prominence.
He said, "And I wish our people the best. However, we are egalitarian. We must go back to farming. My first message to Nigerlites and to all of you in Nupe Kingdom is that please let us embrace agriculture".
The governor also revealed that, in his resolve to change the narratives and give meaning to the lives of the people, some of his policies and actions will be painful, but urged them to accept them as necessary sacrifices and contributions to the growth of their communities.
He added that "some of our policies and decisions at the beginning will be painful. For those who are affected, please take it as a necessary contribution to your fatherland and your motherland."
Hon. Umar Bago said his urban renewal programme will transform Bida because he wishes to make history with the opportunity given to him. He thanked the Bida Emirate Council for the reception and prayed for the prosperity of the kingdom.
The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, appreciated the presence of the governor and his entourage, despite just returning from Hajj.
He described the emergence of Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago as the wish of the people, saying it was something that had been ordained by God, and urged Nigerlites to pray for the success of the administration.
The Etsu Nupe, who expressed happiness that a son of Bida emirate is now the governor of the state, also prayed to God to grant him wisdom, good health, and direction to pilot the affairs of the state, urging Nigerlites to support him and give useful advice that will bring peace and development to the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abubakar Aliyu Mila, appreciated the monarch for sustaining the Bariki celebration and urged people to support the administration to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people.
He also promised that the ministry would support the traditional institutions in their role of complementing the government in the development of the state.