By Suleiman Yakubu

The outgoing Deputy Governor of Niger state, Alh. Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, held a valedictory meeting with staff of his office and handed over notes and other documents relating to his office which symbolizes instrument of power, to the incoming Deputy Governor of the state, Comrade Yakubu Garba.
Speaking at the meeting held at the conference room of the Deputy Governor's office at the Government House, Minna, Ahmed Ketso said it was a historic moment for him because since the history of the state, there had never been an official handing over between an out going and incoming Deputy Governor.
He informed the incoming deputy governor that the office has no specified role in the constitution, except what the Governor assigned to him, advising him that his loyalty to his principal should not be short of 100 percent. Ahmed Ketso also informed the incoming that as a Deputy Governor he must exercise a lot of patience but should not allow anyone to look down on his office, adding that he should not allow any vacuum to be created whenever his boss was out of town.
He disclosed that he had enjoyed working with all the staff under his office and that he was able to succeed because of their support and commitment to their work, saying there were no lazy staff in the office of the Deputy Governor because he had zero tolerance for laziness.
He said that he interacts with his staff as friends and family members and there was no barrier between him and them, urging the incoming Deputy Governor to do same and not to entertain gossips in order to succeed. He disclosed that himself and the incoming Governor, as well as the Deputy were family and that the incoming government is their baby and would have to nurture it to stand on its feet firmly.
While appreciating the staff for the support and cooperation given to him throughout his eight years in office, Ahmed Ketso also urged them to accord same to the incoming Deputy Governor, adding that he was going to miss the office and all the staff. In his response, the incoming Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, said no doubt the eight years of the outgoing government had added value to the state, adding no one was perfect to do it all as perfection was for God alone.
He disclosed that his loyalty will not remain with his principal, Rt. Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago only, but all of them who had preceeded them. The incoming Deputy Governor also observed that Niger state is their own and they must work towards its betterment, saying as someone coming from the civil servants' constituency he sees his position as another opportunity to serve the state and humanity. He promised to also operate an open door policy and work as a family with his staff members to add value to the state for the benefit of Nigerlites.
Highlights of the event were the handing over of instrument of power by the outgoing to the incoming as well as special prayers for both leaders

By Suleiman Yakubu

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has commended the academic achievements of the state-owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) Lapai since its inception. The governor who was a Visitor to the University stated this at its 4th combined convocation ceremony in Lapai. He said that government made deliberate efforts to give priority attention to education in the state by increasing allocation for tertiary institutions for maximum productivity. The Governor charged the management of the institution to continue to give their best to the students so that they will fit perfectly into the competitive labour market. "I urge the university management to continue impacting on our students, the globally accepted standard of learning and entrepreneurship", he said. He congratulated the students for going through the rigorous academic exercise as well as the parents for sponsoring their wards. The Governor also appreciated the four personalities that were awarded honorary degrees for their philanthropic activities to the institution, acknowledging that government alone cannot shoulder the development of education sector in the state in particular and country at large. Governor Simon Bako Lalong who was awarded Doctor of Administrator (Honoris Causa) appreciated the University for finding them worthy of the award. Governor Lalong donated N20m to Student Union Government (SUG) to be used for development purposes. He also pronounced a gift of one million naira each to two of the best graduating students and N10M to those with first class as rewards for their hard work. According to him, he will be a good ambassador of the University, and continue to contribute his best to its development. Alh. Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman, BUA Group who bagged Doctor of Business Management (Honoris Causa), also donated N200M to the development of the Institution. The Chairman was represented by the former minister of state, for health, Dr Aliyu Idi Hong, who said that the Chairman BUA Group has been providing interventions and support to education within and outside of the country, while assuring more commitments to the University. Other recipients of the honorary Doctorate award were Col. Sani Bello the Chairman, of Mainstream Energy Solutions with the award of Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) for his relentless efforts in supporting the institution. Col. Bello was represented by Surajo Abdullahi who pledged continued support of Mainstream to the varsity. Another personality that was awarded Doctor of Entrepreneurship Development (Honoris Causa) was Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu, Chairman,Urban Shelter Nigerian Limited for his immense contribution to the infrastructural development of the university.