Amidst the nationwide hunger protests sweeping across Nigeria, Nigerlites, particularly civil servants and their supporters, gathered in their hundreds for the monthly Keep Fit road-walk and exercise.
Speaking to participants after the event on Saturday, Acting Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, attributed the peaceful conduct to the people-oriented programs and policies of the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
He highlighted that Niger State remains peaceful and calm due to the trust and confidence the citizens have in their government. The six-kilometre roadwalk was completed without any hindrance.
Comrade Garba noted that friends of the civil servants and security agencies joined the exercise, demonstrating their belief in the unified government under Governor Bago's leadership. He emphasised the importance of regular exercise for civil servants, stating it enhances both physical and mental alertness.
The Acting Governor also expressed gratitude to Nigerlites for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere despite the nationwide protests. He noted that the roadwalk, which has gone viral, showcases the state's tranquilly to outsiders.
"Without us telling people outside that Niger State is peaceful and calm, this road-walk exercise, which has already gone viral, will make people outside know and believe that we are peaceful and calm in our state," said the Deputy Governor.
He assured that the monthly keep-fit exercise would continue and urged Nigerlites to keep supporting and believing in the administration of Governor Bago.
The Head of Service of the state, Engr. Abubakar Y. Salisu, reiterated that the keep-fit exercise is a monthly tradition for public servants in the state. Despite the ongoing protests, the state has adhered to its schedule, showcasing the peace and calm enjoyed in Niger State, which he attributed to the citizens' trust in the current government.
In their remarks, the Chief of Staff to Governor Bago, Hon. Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi, and the Permanent Secretaries of the ministries of youth and sports development, Dr. Nuhu Garba Ngaski, and local government and chieftaincy affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu Mila, emphasised the importance of the exercise. They noted the massive turnout as a sign of the citizens' satisfaction with the current administration.