1 week ago
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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Governor Muhammad Umar Bago of Niger State has reiterated the commitment of his administration to transform agriculture with cutting edge technology and the employment of competent experts, in a bid to boost food production.
Bago stated that his administration would not rest on its oars to champion agricultural revolution in the country.
This he stated yesterday at a launch of two books in his honour, entitled: ‘Niger State Under a Great Democrat,’ and ‘The Local Government Council in Nigeria,’ in Abuja, recently.
Represented by Professor Mohammed Yahaya Kuta, he said: “Last year, I signed a pact and social contract with the people of Niger State especially in the areas of agriculture and security.
“I will continue to do my best with the cooperation of the citizens of the state who have continued to support my administration.
“All the credits contained in the book are not my own alone, but the collective efforts of my cabinet and all those who are associated with my government and the state as a whole.”
He lauded the author, Ibrahim Halil Sayuti, and said the books would serve as “documentary evidence for posterity, not only about my administration or my efforts, but it will be a reference material for those who aspire to be governors in the future.”
Sayuti, who is also Chairman of Agaie Local Government Area, said the books were inspired by the good works of the governor.
He said: “These books you see today were not born from my mind alone; they were inspired by you, the people. By your struggles, your dreams, and your determined belief in a better Nigeria. Today, we celebrate not just ink on paper, but the power of collective action.
It is said that a nation that does not document its history is bound to repeat its mistakes.
“This book is deeply inspired by the leadership of His Excellency, Farmer Governor Muhammad Umar Bago. As a son of Niger State and a local government administrator myself, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformation taking place under his administration.
“Governor Bago came into office with a clear vision ; A New Niger Agenda and today, that vision is no longer just words; it is an action, it is an impact, and it is a development.”
He said beyond infrastructure, “Governor’s commitment to ensuring better welfare for workers is a sign of leadership that prioritizes the well-being of its people.
“Perhaps one of his greatest achievements is fostering unity. Niger State is home to diverse ethnic groups, political affiliations/parties, and religious beliefs. Yet, under his leadership, we have seen a state that is becoming more united, more inclusive, and more focused on collective progress.
“I wrote this book to tell the story of his governance, not as an outsider, but as someone who has witnessed the change and believes it should be documented for history. It is a story of bold decisions, of resilience, and of leadership driven by a genuine love for the people.
“In ‘Niger State Under a Great Democrat’, I document his courage: turning Niger into a food hub and Africa’s Next food basket with NigerFoods, building roads where none existed, uniting Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists like a true father. Governor Bago, you proved that democracy is not just votes; it’s action.
“Of course, Today, His Excellency Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has etched his name alongside visionaries like Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nelson Mandela, and Thomas Sankara, leaving a legacy of leadership and impact that will be remembered for generations.
“But democracy starts even lower: at the grassroot. While state-level governance is critical, there is another level that is just as important, the local government system. That is why my second book, “Local Government Councils in Nigeria”, focuses on this crucial aspect of governance.
“If we want to build a strong nation, we must start from the foundation. Local government is the closest government to the people. It is at this level that policies become tangible, that governance is felt directly by the citizens.”
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