By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, has said that plans to attain a new Niger state is very much on course even as he re-echoed the administration's commitments towards upholding the secularity and heterogenity of the state by treating every Nigerlite equal irrespective of their religion, tribe or social status.
Governor Bago also commended Pastor Peterock Sadiq, the Senior Pastor, House on the Rock Church, Minna, for initiating programmes geared towards promoting social rejuvenation and cultural re-orientation amongst christian youths in Niger state.
The Governor spoke at the 5th edition of, 'SHOUT' an annual faith based concert that promotes musical talents and creativity, which took place at the Idris Legbo Kutigi international conference centre, Minna.
Bago who led his campaign team to the Fourth edition of the Christian concert during his electioneering campaign last year, said his attending the all night event which lasted Friday night through Saturday morning is, 'for thanksgiving', having won the election and now on the saddle as Governor of Niger state.
He said, "I was here at about this time last year, during our electioneering campaigns to solicit for your support. Today, we are here for thanksgiving to Almighty God for granting us victory".
Bago and his state delegation to the all-night event was accompanied by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers and other political interests. He said he decided to be part of the 'SHOUT 5' because of his firm belief that he became Governor through the collective mandate of all Nigerlites and not from that of any particular religion or tribe.
He therefore commended the organizers of the annual concert, House on the Rock church, Minna, for the initiative which has not only shapened the characters of particularly Christian youths in the state but made them better citizens and role models for future generations.
The former state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev (Dr.) Matthias Echioda, had earlier traced the origin of 'SHOUTs' to the days of Joshua in the Bible and how the walls of Jericho fell down through divine instruction after the Israelites shouted.
Apart from providing an opportunity for spiritual rejuvenation, Echioda said the programme has been able to discover talents that are doing well in musical and creative acumen that has provided jobs for many youths in the state.
NIGERIAN NEWSLEADER Newspaper Correspondent in Niger state reports that the year 2023 SHOUT, had in attendance Christians and clergymen from within and outside the country while the newly discovered youthful talents entertained guests with different genre of music renditions. NNL.
