The governor, who claimed that he does not want to go into window dressing projects in order to showcase his achievements, added that he would rather display quality projects that will last, hence his focus and commitment to building the “New Niger” everyone craves.
He also gave reasons why he would not indulge in pomp and pageantry to mark his first 100 days in office, emphasizing that he is not in the euphoria of 100 days in office celebration.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, on Friday, in an address, highlighted some of the Governor’s achievements, noting that “political history has shown that whatever is not documented or recorded, will either not be noted, or easily forgotten.”
According to Ibrahim, “The task of developing and transforming Niger State into the “New Niger” as desired by the Mohammed Umaru Bago-led administration is a herculean task, it is, however possible and achievable.
“Indeed, the last 100 days have seen Governor Bago working and moving tirelessly, making deliberate and frantic efforts to bring his policy thrusts and campaign promises to reality.
“The Government of Umaru Bago kick-started by revealing some strategic areas that will serve as pillars and strength upon which his administration will stand.
“These areas are security, education, science and technology, agriculture, commerce, tourism, civil service, health, infrastructure/urban renewal, local government and traditional institutions, revenue generation, women and youth development.
“Realising that if he must build the “New Niger” he craves, then it has to be business unusual for him and all his lieutenants. They must be ready to sacrifice and come out of their comfort zones as the task of setting Niger State on the path of sustainable development is enormous but there is hope in the air, and early signs of steady progress are glaring,” he said.
Ibrahim, who pointed out that the governor has narrowed his strategic plan into four developmental areas – social amenities, sustainable economy, good governance and urban renewal, listed some of the governor’s milestones in the last 100 days.
“Provision of a befitting edifice as a Divisional Police Headquarters in Chanchaga following the demolition of the old structure which was built on a water pipeline more than 30 years ago, thereby denying over 200 residents water supply.
“Restoring sanity on the Suleja-Abuja highway by banning traders from displaying their wares and indiscriminate parking of vehicles on the highway during the weekly Madalla market observed every Thursday, which hitherto, caused gridlock, making it difficult for road users to pass through the road every of the market days.
“Approved a monthly payment of N30 million to the National Examination Council (NECO).
“Sponsoring a huge number of citizens for pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and provision of Sallah welfare package (N100,000 each) to the staff of the government house, SSG’s office and some key offices.
“Restoring the dignity of traditional institutions, whereby the governor visited all eight Emirates in the state to pay Sallah homage instead of the usual style of the traditional rulers coming to the government house in the state capital for a Sallah visit to the Governor.
“Procurement and distribution of thousands of bags of fertilizer and other farm inputs for the 2023 wet season at a subsidized price.
“Distribution of 20 operational vehicles to the Niger State Command of Nigeria Police, its sister agencies like the SSS, NSCDC, NDLEA and some other non-conventional security agencies to checkmate buying and selling of illicit drugs and curb other forms of crime in the state capital.
“Rehabilitation of a failed section of Minna-Bida road and signing of contract agreement with BENIJ Nigeria Limited; a consulting firm for consultancy services for the construction of 556 km of roads earmarked across.
“Distribution of food items worth N3bn across the 25 local government areas of the state as a palliative to cushion the effect of petroleum subsidy removal on citizens among others.”
Ibrahim surmised that the experience of the last 100 days had shown that the people of Niger State made a wise choice during the last governorship poll.
