Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has reiterated his administration's readiness to support the federal government in achieving its mission and vision.
The governor also disclosed that he has extended an olive branch to bandits terrorising the state to drop their arms, renounce banditry, and accept amnesty.
The governor stated this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, at his office in Abuja.
The governor explained that his efforts were not to negotiate with the terrorists but to make a clarion call to them to surrender, renounce terrorism, and accept amnesty from the government.
He said this was not new as it was in furtherance of the federal government's nationwide amnesty programmes to find a lasting solution to banditry and terrorism in the country.
"We extended an olive branch to bandits to drop their arms for amnesty, and we are discussing with them to see how we can solve the problem amicably. We are discussing with them, not negotiating, and talking to them to come out, drop their arms, and enter society. It is a clarion call," Bago said.
He described the minister as having a gentle, humble, and sympathetic personality, saying the staff of the ministry are lucky to have him as their head.
According to him, "Your appointment has come timely, and I thank God for the president for finding you worthy to project the image of the country and the present administration".
The governor called on the minister to use his office to also promote the state positively and attract investments to the state, considering the comparative advantage the state has in terms of landmass and arable lands.
The minister appreciated the governor's visit, pointing out that it was the first public official to visit him since he assumed office.
He highlighted the responsibilities of the ministry and assured that he would do his best to propagate the eight priority areas of the President Tinubu-led administration.
He stressed that the president was determined to see Nigeria become a better country and the lives of its citizens improve.
The governor also paid a similar visit to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, where he emphasised that the state was willing to provide the enabling environment for pilot programmes and other agricultural activities.
The ministry of agriculture said it will take advantage of the landmass and arable land in the state to address the challenges of food security in the country.
He said the proximity of Niger State to the nation's capital was key to achieving the mandate of the ministry.
The governor was accompanied by his SSG, chief of staff, some national assembly members from Niger State, and some other top government functionaries.