Golden Jubilee Solace: Bago's Renewal Honours Sheikh Lemu's Vision
In 2016, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Niger State, Newsline Newspaper published a special edition entitled "Niger State at 40: Birthday without presents." Prominent figures from the state were interviewed to provide insights into the state's progress and development.
I had the privilege of interviewing the late Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, a former Grand Khadi of Niger State (may Allah illuminate his grave and grant him Aljanna Firdausi), who was among the distinguished individuals interviewed. The interview primarily focused on the infrastructure, political landscape, and future prospects of Niger State.
When inquired about his perspective on the state's infrastructure, Sheikh Lemu expressed visible dissatisfaction with the development level. He remarked, "What has the state achieved in 40 years? When considering roads and water supply, it is disheartening that since Governor Murtala Nyako constructed Tagwai Dam 40 years ago, we still face water supply issues in the state's capital. The state of urban roads, particularly in Minna, is far from satisfactory. This situation has persisted since the state's inception. It is indeed a matter of concern. Furthermore, the roads between cities remain neglected, and successive governments have failed to persuade the Federal Government to undertake projects benefiting the populace."
Sheikh Lemu attributed the state's underperformance to the excessive pursuit of power, selfishness, and greed for money, which unfortunately pervades various stakeholders, including politicians, clerics, and businessmen. These three major vices are shared by all.
If Sheikh Lemu were alive today, he, along with others who shared his perspective, would likely find solace in the efforts of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who was a mere two years old when Niger State was created. Governor Bago is endeavouring to change the prevailing narrative.
Sheikh Lemu would have likely prayed for Governor Bago, who is making co8mmendable efforts to dualize the Minna/Bida road, expand township roads in Minna, Bida, Kontagora, and Suleja, construct ring roads in Bida and Kontagora, to address long traffic jam being experienced on daily bases causing enormous loss of productive hours on the road and implement road construction projects spanning 556 kilometers across all 25 local government councils of the state and as well persuaded the Federal Government to reconstruct Minna Zungeru Kontagora road and Bida Lemu Wushishi Zungeru road and Kontagora Rijau road,to mention a few.
Minna, once one of the most beautiful state capitals in Nigeria in the early 80s and 90s, had fallen into disrepair. However, thanks to Governor Bago, the urban renewal project is gradually revitalizing every corner of the state capital.
I am confident that upon completion of these works, navigating certain areas may require the use of a Google map, similar to my recent experience in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Although Governor Bago's administration is less than three years old, the commitment to transforming Niger State into a beacon of progress and development across all sectors is undeniable. While challenges remain, Governor Bago has made significant strides in addressing issues in various sectors of the economy and human development.
Yes, there is still a shortage of potable water supply, particularly in Minna, but Governor Bago is diligently working to address this challenge. According to the Hon. Commissioner for Water Resources and Irrigation, Engr Farouk Umar Audi, the state government is actively participating in the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Program (SURWASH), a $700 million World Bank-funded initiative in Nigeria aimed at enhancing access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
He disclosed that among the five waterworks in the state, the intervention for Chanchaga waterworks, with a capacity of 70,000 cubic meters, will be expanded to 125,000 cubic meters to accommodate Minna's population growth. For Bida, arrangements have been made for HYPPADEC to intervene in the sector. In New Bussa, HYPPADEC has successfully intervened, ensuring full functionality. Kontagora and Suleja have also been included in the SURWASH program.
Numerous initiatives are being implemented in other sectors, including Health, Agriculture, Security, and Education, to comprehensively address their respective challenges.
With the political determination and sincerity of purpose demonstrated by Governor Bago's administration, it can be stated unequivocally that Former Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago is the proverbial gift to Niger State on its 50th anniversary.
Happy Golden Jubilee to Niger State!
Happy Birthday to Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago!
May the Almighty ease your endeavors and bless both Niger State and Nigeria as a whole.
Hamza Waziri
Coordinator, Press Affairs.
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