By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The Governor of Niger state, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, has told citizens of the state to be rest assured that the All Progressive Congress (APC) administration under him will not disappoint them in giving the state a new look especially in using what the state can boast of including natural resources to its advantage.
Governor Bago has also told Nigerlites not to worry about how he gets money, or where monies used for the execution of the numerous on-going projects since his assumption of duty in the past one year are sourced from, but should be concerned about how the monies are being utilized.
Bago who made the declaration at the lecture to mark his one year in office, which took place at the Idris Legbo Kutigi International conference centre, Minna yesterday said his dreams of Niger is a dream that the foundations have just been laid in the past 365 days.
"Niger state has no reason to be poor, the state is blessed. Don't bother about how we get the money but care about how the money is spent for the good of citizenry", the Governor told the gathering at the lecture which is part of the events to commemorate his one year in office.
"Social amenities is not privilege but a right, ask for it", Governor Bago said as he encouraged citizens to demand for accountability from their leaders at all levels.
Bago said he often get surprised when people visit or call to thank him for the on-going projects or providing dividends of democracy in line with the oath of office and oath of allegiance to have the intrest of the citizenry above that of his which he has been doing.
As part plans to ensure food sufficiency for Nigerlites, Nigerians and for export purposes, Governor Umar Bago said the state is planning to build the biggest rice mill and that the President has graciously approved 500 number of 40 feet containers for the storage of different food items.
"What you have seen us to is a tip of the iceberg". Bago boasted, adding that Niger state needs to catch up with other states that are in a hurry to change the narratives.
Bago who enumerated other plans for speedy transformation of the state said, "A New Niger is possible, we will do more of what we are to be remembered for. Believe in us, we will not disappoint you".
Governor Bago who also expressed concerns about insecurity in some rural communities later commissioned 124 different types of operational vehicles including; 61 CNG buses, 40 hilux pickups, 14 waste disposal trucks, 4 bullet proof jeep and 5 fire fighting trucks. NNL.
