By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
The newly sworn-in Governor of Niger State, Umaru Mohammed Bago, says his administration’s priority is to restore peace in troubled areas and boost the fortunes of the state.
Bago stated this in his inauguration speech shortly after being sworn in as the governor of the state at the Trade Fair Complex, on Monday.
In his words “The most compelling task ahead of us is to tackle insecurity with the intensity and urgency it deserves. We shall boldly defend that constitutional tenet and ensure that security will be given a premium in our administration. Therefore, we shall collaborate effectively with security agencies at the national and sub-national levels to combat crime and ensure the safety of lives and property throughout our State and beyond.
“We assure you that Transparency, Accountability, and Fiscal Discipline shall be our watchwords because we know the importance. We understand the expectations of the people but we have no doubt in our capacity to deliver, we have chosen to do things differently. We must be prepared to leave our comfort zones if things must get better.
“I declare before you today with humility and a deep sense of responsibility that the confidence reposed in us is not misplaced and we shall work responsibly with our team towards repositioning our state for greatness. I do not doubt that by the special grace of God and with your cooperation, we shall achieve remarkable milestones beyond expectations.
“We shall be dutiful and diligent in implementing policies, programmes, and projects that will add value to the lives of the people. We will be ambitious in setting our goals, taking into account the deficit in our development.
“While we appreciate the fact that ours is a state with abundant resources, we must act differently to maximize our potential. In other words, it can not be business as usual, rather it should be business unusual for the greater good of all. Our goal is simple and clear, to serve the people of Niger State with fear of God.
The Governor promised to streamline all his policies in the interest of the State and its people.
He said that the government would lay a strong foundation for good governance.
“This requires that we remain focused and committed to our shared values and development aspirations. In doing so, we must be mindful of the existing development gaps, the challenges, and the sacrifices needed from all of us to build New Niger State, “he urged residents.
On education, the governor announced plans to make basic education free and compulsory as enshrined in the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Act.
“We will also bring innovative ideas on how best to reposition our secondary schools especially the Science and Technical Schools in the state with the aim of revamping technical and vocational education in public schools to check the rising unemployment amongst the youth. We also have a special interest in revamping our tertiary educational institutions.
“Our administration will pay adequate attention to the development of education, science, and technology as the backbone of our aspirations. We will therefore make education the centerpiece of our development agenda. Our educational policies will focus on revamping the sector to provide qualitative, affordable, and accessible education, including a special interest in the girl-child.
In strengthening the state’s health sector, Bago said that his administration will address the manpower deficit in the sector.
“We shall invest in the health sector to enhance effective, efficient, accessible, and affordable healthcare delivery in the State. We will look critically into the immediate challenges of basic primary healthcare delivery and the General hospitals across the state; we will also address immediately the issue of inadequate manpower in our primary and secondary health facilities in the State.
The Governor added that his Government would create agricultural policies and interventions geared towards improving the value chain in agricultural development to boost the agricultural productivity of crops, livestock, and fishery for wealth creation and employment.
He promised that the government would construct a standard gauge rail track between Minna and Abuja. During this period also, we will pursue the activation and viability of Baro Port for its economic importance to the nation.
Today’s ceremony marks the inauguration of the sixth democratically elected Governor of Niger State.
The Governor and his deputy, Yakubu Garba both accompanied by their spouses were sworn in at the Trade Fair Complex, in Minna.
The event which started around 09:00 am was well attended by dignitaries including outgoing government officials, traditional rulers as well as a teeming number of Nigerlites.
The newly sworn-in Governor of Niger State, Umaru Mohammed Bago took his oath of allegiance and oath of office at around 10: 48 am amid rousing cheer by Nigerlites.
Shortly after the administration, the Governor reviewed the inaugural parade.
