Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago was decorated as the Grand Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger State Council Thursday at Government House, Minna.
The investiture was performed by NUJ President Chris Isiguzo, who also presented him with a certificate and said the honour was in recognition of his exemplary leadership qualities.
Governor Umaru Bago, in his remarks, described the role of journalism as vital to the development of any society, adding that journalists have helped in shaping democracy in Nigeria through their reportage.
He said that, as the fourth estate of the realm, journalists should carry out their duties as watchdogs of society and ensure objectivity in their reports.
He called for the censorship of social media content to checkmate the spread of fake news and hate speeches.
The governor appreciated the union for finding him worthy of the award and honour, pointing out that it has set a benchmark for him to do more and that his administration will not rest on its oars until the state is transformed.
The leader of the delegation and NUJ National President Dr. Chris Isiguzo said the conferment on the governor was because of his transformative and developmental strides in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, good governance, and education, among others.
The NUJ president commended the farmer governor for the established cordial relationship between his government and journalists and called for continuous collaboration that will advance the profession for the benefit of the state.
Also speaking, the NUJ Chairman, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu, said they were at the government house to also strengthen the synergy with the state government.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Niger State and Lagos under the Produce-For-Lagos initiative, where agricultural produce in Niger State will feed the bourgeoning population of Lagos.
The MoU, which was signed by both heads of their respective governments, will provide farmers in Niger State with a ready market to offtake their agricultural produce to meet the food demand of Lagos people at a stabilised price.
Agricultural produce under the agreement includes paddy rice, tubers, legumes, and grains.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago signed on behalf of the Niger State Government, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed for the Lagos State Government.
A statement by Governor Bago's Chief Press Secretary, Mal. Bologi Ibrahim, said this move further demonstrates the determination of Governor Umaru Bago to ensure that the food security policy of his administration and that of the federal government are realised.
"The governor reiterated that Niger State has all it takes to feed the nation and even export to other nations; hence, he is not relenting in attaining the goal, noting that the state is ready to partner with more states on beneficial collaborations," the statement added.
