By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago, has promised to work the extra mile to collectively build a better future for the citizens of the State.
The Governor stated this when he received a delegation of Former National Assembly Members Forum, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from the state, on a congratulatory visit at the Niger State Government Lodge, Abuja.
In a statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor was quoted as saying the campaigns were now over and it was time to evolve strategies to grow the state.
According to him "It is time for work, it's going to be work unusual and bitter, some policies will be tough but we are sure if we sustain them, they will take us to the destination".
He called for the support of all the residents of the state, pointing out that the all-inclusive policy of his administration has come to stay.
"In the spirit of a new Niger, we have to leave our doors opened, especially for people with experience", he stated.
The Governor re-iterated his determination to tackle insecurity through collaboration, improved economy, social development and qualitative education.
"On Security, it is on the front burner because it is not respecter of a political party, tribe or religion. We will collaborate with all and sundry in making sure we bring the menace to an end.
On economy, the governor said "as the largest state in Nigeria, with 76,000sq.km arable land and lots of water bodies, yet we are poor, it is time to reverse the trend and put us on the part of prosperity.
"The roads are bad there is need for the state government to declare a state of emergency in this course.
He maintained that education was the bedrock of development. He said "education is the bed rock of every economy. We need to give emphasis to education. We will strengthen the compulsory basic education in the state".
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and former Deputy Governor of Niger state, Amb. Ahmed Musa Ibeto said their visit was to congratulate the governor and assure him of their support.
Ibeto who is also a former lawmaker, said they consider the governor as one of them irrespective of the political party, hence they desire that he succeeds for the overall benefit of the state.
"When we go into the house, the party lines and all other considerations melt. So we see him as one of us, to congratulate him and also to advise him for the interest of the state.
"Now a government is in place, all we need to do is to cooperate and also give our best to ensure that the government that is in place succeeds because essentially at the end of the day, it is the people of the state that will benefit, he said.