From the moment he was sworn into office he has remained focused on the determination to make agriculture the cash cow in his state. Governor Mohammad Umaru Bago of Niger State, who gave himself the moniker ‘Farmer Governor’, has once again made known his resolve to ensure that agriculture takes its place as the leading source of revenue for the state. He, therefore, announced his administration’s goal to generate N2.3 trillion annually through an agricultural revolution.
The governor, who spoke at the 12th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference in Kano, emphasised that his agricultural programs go beyond traditional farming, aiming to transform Niger State into a high-revenue-earning region. This resolution can hardly be taken for political grandstanding because the governor has been consistent in planning and drive for the dream to make the state a leading agricultural producing state in the country. He bought tractors, gave support to farmers, went out to source for support for them and also cooperate with the federal government on the implementation of policies on agriculture.
But he did not ignore other areas of governance either. For instance, he is known to have given preference to the payment of pensions to clear the arrears he inherited from his predecessor. It is therefore not surprising that he recognised for making pensioners smile. Bago and his Kano State counterpart, Abba Kabir Yusuf were honored as pensioner-friendly governors by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) recently. The NUP itemised their contributions to senior citizens’ welfare. While taking the award, Bago pledged that he would not prioritise pension administration in his state, he promised to also establish a farm for pensioners to promote their livelihoods through modern farming practices.
He highlighted Niger State’s active promotion of agricultural development, including tractor distribution and empowerment programs for youth and women. To cap it all, Bago donated N100 million to pensioners during the conference.
Governor Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Abdussalam Gwarzo, welcomed delegates and emphasised his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of senior citizens, noting the settlement of over N16 billion in retirement benefits.
NUP President Mazi Godwin Abumisi stated that the awards recognised the governors’ contributions to senior citizens’ well-being, acknowledging that settling pension and gratuity arrears has significantly addressed economic challenges faced by senior citizens.
Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC president, Joe Ajero, represented by Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, described the conference as timely and urged participants to focus on enhancing senior citizens’ welfare.
