BY LAWAL TANKO
The Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, has congratulated Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago on receiving the “Governor of the Year” Award from Daily Times Nigeria.
The award was presented at the Daily Times Centenary Heroes Awards in Abuja, which honoured outstanding Nigerians across various sectors for contributions to national development and public service.
In a statement, Alhaji Usman described the recognition as well-deserved, reflecting growing national appreciation of the Bago administration’s development efforts and its drive to turn the State into a major agricultural and economic hub.
The SSG noted that the New Niger Agenda places agriculture and agribusiness at the centre of the state’s economic transformation. The administration’s focus on mechanisation, increased food production, agribusiness development, investment promotion and efficient value chains is repositioning the State as a key contributor to national food security and prosperity, he said.
Alhaji Usman also highlighted infrastructure investments in roads, urban renewal, power and water as critical to opening up communities, moving agricultural produce, attracting investors and improving living standards.
He praised the Governor for creating an environment that encourages private-sector participation, stressing that sustainable growth requires partnerships with investors, development agencies, farmers, businesses and other stakeholders.
“This award is a testament to His Excellency’s visionary leadership, courage and commitment to transforming Niger State. It is also a recognition of the collective efforts of the people of Niger State who have continued to support the administration’s development agenda,” SSG stated.
Alhaji Usman added that the honour would encourage the Governor and his team to sustain the pace of development and focus on programmes that directly improve citizens’ lives. Usman commended Daily Times Nigeria for using the Centenary Heroes Awards to celebrate excellence and responsible leadership.
The SSG expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would attract further national and international recognition in agriculture, infrastructure, industrialisation, education, healthcare and human capital development.