Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on the people to go back to farming, saying he would like to make history with the opportunity given him as governor of the state.
He then reiterated his government's commitment to boost the agricultural potential of the state.
The governor stated this today at Hawan Bariki, a traditional sallah celebration at the Etsu Nupe Palace in Bida, Bida Local Government Area of the state.
Hon. Umar Bago, who returned from Saudi Arabia after performing the Hajj, said he was delighted to witness this year's traditional Sallah celebration in his home town of Bida.
He said his government will positively promote culture and tourism, which will elevate the state to global prominence.
He said, "And I wish our people the best. However, we are egalitarian. We must go back to farming. My first message to Nigerlites and to all of you in Nupe Kingdom is that please let us embrace agriculture".
The governor also revealed that, in his resolve to change the narratives and give meaning to the lives of the people, some of his policies and actions will be painful, but urged them to accept them as necessary sacrifices and contributions to the growth of their communities.
He added that "some of our policies and decisions at the beginning will be painful. For those who are affected, please take it as a necessary contribution to your fatherland and your motherland."
Hon. Umar Bago said his urban renewal programme will transform Bida because he wishes to make history with the opportunity given to him. He thanked the Bida Emirate Council for the reception and prayed for the prosperity of the kingdom.
The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, appreciated the presence of the governor and his entourage, despite just returning from Hajj.
He described the emergence of Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago as the wish of the people, saying it was something that had been ordained by God, and urged Nigerlites to pray for the success of the administration.
The Etsu Nupe, who expressed happiness that a son of Bida emirate is now the governor of the state, also prayed to God to grant him wisdom, good health, and direction to pilot the affairs of the state, urging Nigerlites to support him and give useful advice that will bring peace and development to the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abubakar Aliyu Mila, appreciated the monarch for sustaining the Bariki celebration and urged people to support the administration to deliver the dividend of democracy to the people.
He also promised that the ministry would support the traditional institutions in their role of complementing the government in the development of the state.