Since the creation of Niger State 48 years ago, precisely February 13,1976, the state has never witnessed a phenomenon of exciting magnitude as we're witnessing today. Within one year on the saddle as Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago has redefined the concept of governance and has etched his name in the annals of the state. His interventions in infrastructure and agriculture, two areas that formed the fulcrum and center piece of his administration's policy and developmental drive will remain epically historic long after this generation has gone.
This means that the governor is creating the future he has predicted for the state. And this is the finest attribute of leadership Nigerians yearned for, which Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago is currently unleashing in Niger State.
In an unprecedented feat and in a manner not yet seen, the governor within one year in office, is laying a strong foundation for the future. Addressing journalists at Government House to commemorate one year of the administration, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Bologi Ibrahim noted that the governor's one year in office, was full of unprecedented government activities with remarkable evidence of impact in all the sectors of the economy.
"The ongoing infrastructural development across the state under his Urban Renewal policy, the green economy initiative, and the current agricultural revolution, among others, are tips of the iceberg compared to what his administration intends to achieve at the end of its first tenure", the CPS said.
On the issue of banditry, he said the governor assured that efforts are being redoubled to tame the tide, maintaining the state of emergency on thuggery in the state, especially in Minna and its environs.
"He reiterated his unwavering willingness and determination for the total transformation of the State".
The governor, while acknowledging the support of all citizens for his administration, enjoined them to sustain the tempo and continue to show understanding as the task is herculean and collective.
Governor Bago has within a year awarded the construction of 556 km of roads in all 25 local governments, the beginning of 1000 km of roads intended in the next four years. This, the governor said, will cost the state 1 trillion naira. In fulfilling his desire to revolutionise the transportation sector, the governor commissioned the newly procured 200 CNG buses and other assorted vehicles.
The governor during a public lecture in his honour, said the state is marching to the billionaire state. He said the government will build a water channels drawing water from Shiroro dam that will irrigate the vast fertile lands traversing Shiroro and Munya local governments where all year round farming is expected to generate billions in crop production. Governor Bago hopes in the next one, the state will be able to generate N100 billion in internally generated revenue.
The announcement that the biggest rice mill factory will be built by Dangote Group is heartwarming. The governor said he had extracted commitment from the president of the Dangote Group, and when completed, the plant is capable of milling 500,000 metric tonnes of rice, a feat yet recorded in any African country.
In demonstrating his desire to restore confidence in public service, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago approved N25 billion for the settlement of the backlog of pensioners gratuities. This is unprecedented. In the same vein, he approved the promotion of any civil servant who had stagnated for years. This is in addition to the massive renovation of the state government secretariat to improve the working environment of workers and increase productivity.