By Kingsley Unah
The Niger State government has said it shall be hosting quarterly meetings with stakeholders of the North Central State to provide a platform for meaningful discussions on issues that affect the state.
This was disclosed by the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago during the grand reception in honour of the newly elected and appointed Ministers of the state’s and National and State Assembly members, held at the Justiće Idris Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, the state capital, on Saturday.
Consequent upon the adoption of the policy, Bago has directed the 25 Local Government Areas in the state to replicate the same in their respective councils.
In line with the new policy, the Niger State governor has called on stakeholders in the state to remain ambitious, urging them to also key into his ‘New Niger Agenda’ to enhance the required growth and development.
The governor also used the occasion to explain reasons behind the reception.
According to him, the reception was primarily aimed at fostering unity and collaboration, among all well-meaning indigenes and friends of Niger State, and a way of bringing them up to speed with his plans towards achieving steady progress in the state.
Speaking further, the governor said the quarterly meeting of stakeholders will also be used to show how best to address the issues affecting the state.
The Niger State governor has thrown out the first call to some of the key stakeholders present at the event.
He called on the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris-Malagi, whom he described as an elder brother, to use his good offices to fast-track the growth and development of the state and the country.
He also appealed to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Sabi-Abdullahi, to ensure that the state was considered for the pilot scheme of the Federal Government’s agricultural initiatives based on its size and abundant untapped natural resources.
In their separate goodwill messages, Idris-Malagi and Sabi-Abdullahi, both lauded the governor for his foresight and acknowledged that a ‘New Niger’ was achievable.
Idris-Malagi said, ”No need for acrimony, It is time to come together, make sacrifices and synergise for a new Niger as governor Bago is not only building a ‘New Niger,’ but also unifying the people.”
The Senator representing Niger South, Sen. Peter Jiya, spoke on behalf of the members of the National Assembly from the state.
Mr. Abdulmalik Muhammad, who also spoke on behalf of the members of the state assembly, assured that they would work collectively for the growth and development of the state.
The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, on behalf of the Judiciary, pledged its support to the realisation of the ‘New Niger’ agenda of the governor.
The Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Muhammadu Mu’azu II, who spoke on behalf of the Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, urged elected and appointed leaders to serve with the fear of God and do their best in addressing the challenges bedevilling the state.
Earlier, the Secretary to the state government, Abubakar Usman, said, “The maiden event is to usher in the new development agenda of the governor.”
Additional reports from NAN