Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger has reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of residents of the state.
The Governor stated this during a Sallah homage on the Emir of Borgu, Muhammed Dantoro IV, at his Palace in New Bussa.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Alhaji Bologi Ibrahim, in Minna on Thursday.
Umaru-Bago explained that the visit was a demonstration of respect and relevance of the traditional institutions in governance.
He said it was also to change the usual approach where the Emirs visit the Governor after Sallah celebrations.
He added that this new approach of visiting the traditional leaders at home would foster an inclusive and collaborative relationship between the government and them.
The governor said that the system would as well as serve as a platform for interaction to feel the pulse of the people.
He said his administration would ensure the challenges of insecurity and lack of portable water affecting the people among others would be addressed headlong.
“We want to bring governance closer to the people at the grassroots and we have decided to now change the course to visit the Emirates.
“We have discussed with the leadership of the Emirate on issues affecting them ranging from insecurity and Water to Sanitation.
“We are going to hit the ground running immediately,” he said.
He used the opportunity to encourage the people to continue to embrace farming, adding that “government is making deliberate effort to support farmers with necessary tools in order to guarantee food security”.
While maintaining that the emirate would also benefit from the urban renewal plan of the government, he appealed for their continued support and understanding.
Earlier, the Emir of Borgu urged the governor to equip the New Bussa General Hospital with modern equipment and increase the staff strength of the facility for efficient service delivery.
The Emir, represented by Wazirin Borgu, Abdulhameed Sa’ad, also appealed for the speedy completion and take-off of Shagunu Naval Base to boost security in the Emirate.
He commended the governor for the visit and promised to support for his administration to succeed.
The governor was accompanied by his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, his Chief of Staff, Abdullahi Gbatamangi and other key government officials.