Arewa group celebrates Bago at 51 

A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has expressed excitement as the Niger state governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, marks his 51st birthday, saying that the birthday ceremony has exposed his lofty achievements less than two years in office.

ATT noted that the administration of Governor Bago has brought winds of positive change to the beating heart of Niger state, as the entire state is undergoing a metamorphosis so profound that has never been witnessed since its birth in 1976.

In a statement at the weekend to pay tribute to governor Bago on his  birthday celebration, the Chief Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, described the governor as the master architect of a new dawn who is at the helm of monumental transformation of Niger state.

“In fact, governor Bago has indeed walked the talk. He has relinquished the typical, overused and uninspired approach of a traditional politician in favour of a visionary reformer, meticulous builder, and selfless servant of the people.

“His leadership has had a profound impact on every facet of the state. The once-abandoned roads, now being revamped to surpass their original state,  as bulldozers work tirelessly to complete ongoing projects. Also, the promise of a modern teaching hospital, now under construction, heralds improved healthcare. Similarly, the vision of a thriving agricultural sector is becoming a reality, with Niger State emerging as the nation’s food basket. These accomplishments attest to his resolute leadership.

“There has not been a dull moment since his ascension to office on May 29, 2023. As soon as he was inaugurated, Governor Bago ignited a beacon of infrastructural development, urban renewal, and a green economy initiative, setting Niger State flowing with progress.

“Within the first week, he tackled the infamous Kaduna–Suleja-Abuja highway gridlock caused by the weekly Madalla market, a quagmire of commerce and chaos that had long ensnared commuters. But with a political Will and determination, governor banned the roadside market and tamed the vehicular wilds, restoring order and safety to travelers on the highways.

“Most commendable is Governor Bago’s vision for Niger State because with N200 billion at his disposal, he is reconstructing 202 kilometers of township roads into Minna city’s landscape, infusing it with new life.

“Furthermore, he went ahead into the construction of 1,400 kilometers of roads across the state, promising a future where Kontagora and Bida towns of the State are but a smooth drive away.

“We recalled with praises how Bago handled the N600 million debt to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), clearing the backlog and illuminating the path for government operations. This became necessary because before now some government organisations were struggling under the burden of electricity bills.

“The 2022 Revenue Law was Bago’s answer to fiscal leakages, freezing accounts to forge a centralized financial dashboard, resulting in N10 billion in savings within four months—a fiscal feat of transparency and accountability.

“His administration’s strides in clearing a part of salary arrears of local governments for the year 2020 that had been left unpaid, bolstering education and healthcare; and empowering women and youth have woven a tapestry of hope and opportunity throughout the state.

“The transformation of the Shiroro Hotel Minna into the Ibrahim Badamasi University Lapai Teaching Hospital is yet another feather in the cap of Governor Bago’s administration. This change from a hospitality establishment to a bastion of health education symbolizes the progressive spirit that has been infused into the heart of Niger State.

“In a bold move to transform the state technologically, Governor Bago has recently announced the sponsorship of 1,000 students to study science-related courses in India. Recognizing the rapid evolution of technology, he urges the citizens of Niger State to harness this potential for their benefit and the state’s advancement.

“Indeed, it gladdens our hearts that under the leadership of Governor Bago, a New Dawn in Agriculture in Niger State is born. A multi-billion-naira Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, heralding a partnership with the Lagos Rice Company, the Lagos Commodity Future Exchange, and Niger Foods Limited. This alliance was not merely a business transaction; it was a pledge to transform rice production into a harmonious blend of soil, sustenance, and shared prosperity.

“We are aware that the Niger Foods Limited is expected to cultivate an impressive 20,000 hectares of Niger State’s fertile lands, and harvest an astounding 300,000 tonnes of rice. This initiative promised to elevate the state’s agricultural status and set a precedent for future endeavours.

“So far his accomplishments are indeed too numerous to mention in mere statements. And without fear of contradiction, the volume of his achievements within a short period casts a stark contrast against the backdrop of previous  ‘wasted years’, a period where progress seemed to stagnate, and the aspirations of the people were left unattended with little or no benefit from dividends of democracy.

“We pray that Allah grants him more wisdom and understanding wisdom to fulfill his vision of unprecedented prosperity, peace, and progress in the Niger State.

“As we celebrate Governor Bago’s birthday, we pray  O Allah, to crown him with an even deeper sense of gratitude to the Creator first and to the people he is leading.

“May his leadership be a boundless blessing that benefits the wonderful people of Niger state and Nigeria at large,” the statement said.