By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
As part of measures to stem rural-urban migrations, Niger state government has announced disbursement of, 3 million Naira to each of the 274 Ward Development Areas across the 25 Local Government Councils to implement developmental projects that will have direct positive impact on the people.
State Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Phallalu Bako Mohammed disclosed this when he led other members of the, Ward Development Project Steering Committee on sensitization visit to the Emirs of; Suleja, Lapai and Agaie.
The visit is in line with the Governor Umaru Bago’s commitments towards reviving the Ward Development Projects initiated by the former Governor, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu led administration for speedy development in rural communities.
The Committee's visits to Suleja, Lapai, and Agaie Emirate councils, according to the Commissioner is to engage traditional leaders and local stakeholders on the objectives and implementation strategies for the Ward Development Projects.
“Each of the Wards will receive a sum of ₦3 million to implement choice locally driven projects identified by the community, their leaders and residents of the areas".
Phallalu said, “We are here to sensitize our royal fathers, community leaders and residents as well on the state government’s renewed focus aimed at bringing developments to the Ward-levels".
According to him, “This project is designed to empower each of the communities for them to take ownership of their development priorities”.
Both Ward and Local Government Development Committees, he said will include representatives from traditional rulers, religious leaders, political divides, and civil society groups to ensure transparency and inclusiveness, would be established to manage the funds and supervise the execution of projects.
He assured the traditional rulers of the steering committee's commitment to ensure that no Ward is left behind and that the funds would be judiciously monitored for expected results.
In their respective responses, the Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Tafida Umaru Bago, Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu and the Emir of Suleja, Mallam Awal Ibrahim, represented by, Engineer Shuibu Gani commended Governor Bago for his foresight in revisiting and reviving the Ward development model that was introduced by former Governor Babangida Aliyu.
True progress and development, the traditional rulers argue begins at the community level and therefore encouraged leaders at the local government areas to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of the projects. NNL.
