By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Hon. Binta Mamman, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable working relationship and wealth of experience she gained from the retiring officers of the ministry and its agencies.
The commissioner made these remarks during a send-off ceremony organised in honour of Comrade Kabiru Ibrahim, Mallam Yunusa Alhassan, Director of Information Mrs. Hassana Joan Kpetu, and Internal Auditor Mall Abdul Aziz Hassan, who are retiring after years of meritorious service.
Hon. Binta Mamman nostalgically recalled the cordial working relationship she had with the officers since her appointment last year, emphasising that their invaluable advice significantly contributed to the ministry's successes.
She also extended her profound appreciation to former GM and one-time State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Isah Kawu, Haj Hadiza Shiru, Principal of FGGC Tambuwal, Sokoto State, the State NUJ Chairman, and others for taking time out of their busy schedules to grace the occasion.
Addressing the issue of inadequate manpower within the agencies, she assured the gathering of the ministry's commitment to rewarding hard work.
Niger State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Nasir Mua'zu, also spoke at the event, expressing concern over the retirement of media professionals and the resulting vacuum in the state media organizations. He commended Hon. Binta Mamman for her honesty and dedication in managing the ministry and its agencies.
In his goodwill remarks, Hon. Isah Kawu described the retiring officers as hard-working and reliable individuals in the state media industry. He urged younger media practitioners to emulate the outgoing officers' performance to strengthen the industry professionally.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajiya Aishatu Nuhu Yarwa, highlighted the professional expertise of the outgoing officers and recognised their individual abilities in managing their respective departments.
Director of Administration, Hajiya Su'ad Lami Ya'kawu, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the noble working relationship she enjoyed with the retiring officers. She recalled their harmonious past working relationship and prayed for their continued support and guidance to younger practitioners.
She also thanked the commissioner for her gentility, understanding, and bravery in handling the ministry's affairs.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts to the retirees and a group photograph.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Government has mandated a comprehensive screening exercise for political appointees to ensure proper documentation and authenticity. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Binta Mamman, announced that approximately 4,000 genuine appointees would be identified and paid their salaries.
This exercise follows recent protests at the government house over delayed September salaries. Hon. Mamman revealed that some individuals had forged appointment letters, leading to unauthorised salary payments. The screening aims to eliminate these fraudulent claims and verify the true beneficiaries.
Hon. Mamman emphasised the government's commitment to inclusivity, noting that the 4,000 appointees include commissioners, special advisers, senior special assistants, coordinators, and special assistants. The initiative seeks to reduce unemployment and foster a sense of belonging among the populace.
With salaries exceeding N600 million, the government is determined to reduce expenses by identifying legitimate appointees. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago supports this effort to ensure funds are allocated to critical areas.
The screening process continues, and all genuine appointees must appear before the committee. Hon. Mamman urged cooperation to ensure a smooth and efficient exercise, assuring that genuine appointees will receive their salaries promptly once documentation is complete.