Niger State Governor, Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago, has disclosed that corruption and a lack of patriotism were the major factors militating against the development of the state and societies generally.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, stated this at a daylong workshop on "Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development for Decent Employment in Nigeria", known as the Pro-poor Growth and Promotion of Employment Programme, organised by GIZ SEDIN Nigeria, held at the Guidel Hotel, Minna, on Tuesday.
He observed that corruption, lack of patriotism, and aggrandisement were responsible for the problem of underdevelopment we are faced with today, adding that good governance and accountability for the general good have become a mirage while righteousness has now become an orphan.
The governor disclosed that the statistics of inequality on a wide range of indices in the state were disturbing, as over half of the state population lives below the poverty line, he enumerated other ills bedevilling the state to include insecurity, lack of quality and affordable education, economic downturn, poor healthcare services, lack of access to roads, and unemployment.
He said the government was not unaware of the challenges hindering the state's development to its full potential, adding that the challenges were surmountable and that the administration of Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago was determined to propel a paradigm shift.
"We shall break barriers, push through our limitations, and set a new bar in addressing these challenges," the governor assured.
He also declared the state government's support for the German agency for international cooperation to increase and improve employment, power supply, access to education, peace and security, access to funds, vocational skills acquisition, and food security, among others.
He also observed that development and the general good of all can only be achieved through sacrifices, saying that as the government and development partners renew their commitment towards achieving the desired growth and development of the state, the citizens' support is also needed.
While appreciating GIZ SEDIN for its numerous interventions aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of Nigerlites, he said the agency had proven to be a worthy development partner and that the state government will provide all the necessary support that will enhance the success of GIZ programmes in the state.
Earlier, head of GIZ SEDIN Nigeria, Mr. Markus Wauschuhn, said GIZ had been in Nigeria since 1975 and in Niger State since 1990, where it went into fish farming promotion in the Kanji Lake in New Bussa.
He explained that GIZ SEDIN had achieved a multitude of prospects in Niger State aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of the people in the aspects of health, entrepreneurship, economy, employment, agriculture, security, and support to SMSEs, among others, ensuring the agency's continuous support in improving the living conditions of the people in the state.