From Rashidat Suleiman, Minna
Niger state government has reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with any organization, particularly tribal organizations for the promotion of peaceful coexistence in the state.
The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba made this disclosure at the two years anniversary celebration of the Pastoralists Day (Yanlde Fulbe), organized by the state Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral affairs, held on Saturday at the UK Bello Art Theater hall, Minna.
He observed that peace and unity was key to development and that the state is ready to work with the Fulani community in the state to entrenched unity and harmonious coexistence across the state.
“I am impressed with the coming together of the Fulanis. I like this unity because our whole strength lies in our unity, and without peace there is no development and there would be no progress in any aspect of life,” said the Deputy Governor.
He said it was a welcome development for the Fulanis to select August 23 as a day to celebrate the creation of the state ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral affairs, urging them to uphold it to enable the children unborn to know when the ministry was created.
The Deputy Governor also observed that in the past the Fulanis were not embracing most of the initiatives by government, but that they have now realized and taking every opportunity created by the government, which includes both education and job opportunities.
He equally appreciated the Fulanis for believing in Hon. Umar Bago before the election and also for their support to his administration, urging them to replicate it come 2027.
On his part, the state Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral affairs, Hon. Umar Sanda Rebe said they have every reason to celebrate because the present administration has given the Fulanis a sense of belonging.
He also disclosed that the Fulanis has no reason not to support the present administration under the leadership of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, adding that as they did in 2023, their votes are for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago come 2027.
Also, in his interaction with Journalist after receiving an award from the Fulani political organization, Bago Ruga-Ruga, the Executive Director of Niger foods and Logistics Company, Mr. Ola Oloyede said the award is a well deserving one, stating that Niger foods has been helping in engaging the normadic populace with pepper farming and other cash crop in mechanized way of farming.
The awardee Mr Ola Oloyede represented by programme coordinator, Engr Bashiru Tanko stressed that the award presented to Executive Director was based on his dedication in lifting the Niger pastoralists from poverty, and reiterated the company’s commitment at all times.
In their separate remarks, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Salihu Bawa Bosso, the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral affairs, and the Director General, Nomadic affairs, Ardo Abdullahi Babayo appreciated the Governor of his commitment to equity inclusion, peace building and sustainable development, saying it is a legacy that has now become a rallying point for unity in recognition of the vital roles of the nomadic people in the state