Ever since I began closely monitoring Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, I've been captivated by his ability to attract and energise large crowds, a talent that was evident even before he officially entered the political arena. His magnetic presence consistently draws enthusiastic supporters whenever he appears. However, it wasn't until he conducted an inspection tour of the extensive road projects in the Niger North Senatorial Zone, commonly referred to as Zone C, that I witnessed a truly remarkable level of excitement and engagement from the population. This tour seemed to ignite a surge of optimism and interest among the people, showcasing not only his commitment to infrastructure development but also reinforcing his position as a leader capable of inspiring and mobilising his constituency.
While travelling along the road from Kontagora to Bangi, the administrative centre of Mariga Local Government Area in the state, it was quite evident that the local residents did not display the same level of excitement or interest as expected when the most renowned governor in Nigeria made his way through their hamlets and villages. This lack of enthusiasm starkly contrasted with the warm receptions often seen in other local government areas across the state. For those acquainted with the Mariga area's notorious issues and challenging circumstances, the underlying reasons for this subdued response are not difficult to comprehend. The community of Mariga has been severely affected by relentless bandit activities, resulting in numerous hamlets and villages being overrun by these ruthless criminals, leaving many displaced and in distress.
It is glaringly apparent that there is an absence of governmental involvement or authority along the road, leaving the local inhabitants to fend for themselves without any external support. This journey, which covers a distance of approximately 80 kilometres, ideally ought to take no more than an hour. However, it ended up taking a staggering four hours to travel from Kontagora to Bangi. While agriculture serves as the primary livelihood for the communities situated along this route, the current state of economic activities in the area has diminished significantly. This decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including persistent insecurity, the deplorable condition of the roads, and a severe lack of infrastructural development, such as schools and hospital or health care centres necessary to support growth and improve living conditions.
Governor Bago, who is steadfast in his mission to transform the perception and reality of Niger State, has reignited the hopes of the residents of Mariga Local Government. In a recent announcement, he expressed his commitment to addressing their infrastructure concerns. Despite initially having no intention to allocate funds for new road constructions in the proposed 2025 budget, Governor Bago has recognised the critical importance of infrastructure development for the region.
Consequently, he has affirmed his decision to urgently incorporate the reconstruction of the Kontagora/Bangi road into the budget. This decision underscores his dedication to improving the quality of life for the people and ensuring that essential projects are prioritised for the overall development and connectivity of the area.
Governor Bago was notably impressed by the resilience and determination of the people, who, despite facing significant security challenges, remain steadfast in their commitment to farming. Recognising the importance of addressing educational deficiencies, he took decisive action by declaring a state of emergency on education across the entire Zone C. This bold move was prompted by the clear realisation that this senatorial zone is notably lagging behind in terms of Western education, which is crucial for the region's development and prosperity.
With this unprecedented inspection tour of various projects and his visit to several communities in the state, areas reportedly never visited by a sitting governor to directly engage with stakeholders outside of a campaign period, it is evident that Governor Bago has introduced a new and transformative style of leadership in the state. His approach suggests a commitment to transparency and a hands-on governance style, illustrating a significant departure from traditional practices. The governor's proactive engagement with local communities and stakeholders highlights his dedication to addressing the needs and concerns of residents, indicating a promising shift in the dynamics of state governance.
Waziri is the Coordinator of Press Affairs to Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State.