The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago has explained why his state cannot remain in the community of poor states in the country.
During his keynote speech at a dinner for members of the House of Representatives Press Corps held in Minna, he revealed that he has been able to put in place measures aimed at repositioning the state for sustainable growth and development.
Governor Bago, who served as a three-term member of the lower legislative chamber, assured that under his leadership, the resources would be adequately harnessed for the benefit of citizenry in the state.
He opined that the state government will soon sign a memorandum of understanding with a rice mill factory in Kano State for direct purchase of Paddy Rice produced in the state as part of measures to achieve the goal.
Justifying his position, he said: “Niger State is the largest in terms of land mass in Nigeria, with about 76,300 square kilometers of arable land. Niger State also has four Hydropower dams. That is Kianji, Jeba, Shiroro and Zungeru. We have the only white sand beach in West Africa, the shagunu beach.
“There is also Zuma rock and a lot more that people don’t know. I have come here today to tell you that with this partnership we are establishing, we need to spread the gospel. Let people understand where we stand. What people understand about Niger state is the issue of insecurity and insurgency.
