Gov Bago maintains Chief Servant’s legacy, revamped Ward Development project committees
By: TUNDE BOLAJI -MINNA.
Niger State governor, Mohammed Umar Bago has expressed his desires to maintained some the legacies left behind by former governor, Dr. Muaizu Babangida Aliyu , also known as the Chief Servant.
Towards achieving these set objectives, governor Bago has embarked on revisiting some of the projects, like the five star hotel, Three- Arm Zone and the Ward Development project committees, tagged “the forth tier of government.'”
the Ward Development Project Steering Committee has therefore swung into action with a Visits to Suleja, Lapai, and Agaie Emirate Councils
This is part of efforts to ensure inclusive grassroots development, hence the State Government’s Ward Development Project Steering Committee has embarked on a sensitization tour of key traditional institutions across the state.
The committee, led by the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Phallalu Bako Mohammed, paid courtesy calls to the Emirate Councils of Suleja, Lapai, and Agaie to engage with royal fathers and local stakeholders on the objectives and implementation strategy of the Ward Development Project.
During the visit to Suleja , Phallalu Bako reiterated Governor Umaru Bago’s commitment to reviving and sustaining the Ward Development Project as a vehicle for delivering tangible development to communities across all 274 wards in the state.
He disclosed that each ward will receive a sum of Three Million Naira (₦3,000,000) to implement locally driven projects identified by community leaders and residents.
“We are here to sensitize our royal fathers and community leaders on the state government’s renewed focus on ward-level development,” the commissioner said.
“This project is designed to empower communities to take ownership of their development priorities.”
He added that both Ward and Local Government Development Committees would be established to manage the funds and supervise the execution of projects.
These committees will include representatives from traditional, religious, political, and civil society groups to ensure transparency and inclusiveness.
The committee’s visit was warmly received by the royal fathers, the Emir of Suleja, Mallam Awal Ibrahim, represented by the Madakin Suleja, Engineer Shuibu Gani, expressed appreciation for the initiative and assured the state government of the traditional council’s full support.
He described the administration’s grassroots development efforts as unprecedented.
In Lapai, the Emir, Alhaji Engineer Tafida Umaru Bago III, commended Governor Bago’s foresight in reviving the ward development model.
He noted that true progress begins at the community level and urged local leaders to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of the projects.
Similarly, the Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, praised the government’s inclusive approach and called for strict accountability measures to safeguard public resources.
Commissioner Phallalu Bako assured the traditional leaders that the steering committee would ensure that no ward is left behind and that funds would be utilized judiciously.“
“It is not going to be business as usual. We are committed to ensuring transparency, community participation, and value for every kobo spent,” he emphasized.
The State Steering Committee comprises senior government officials, party leaders, and representatives of key ministries.
Phallalu Bako Mohammed serves as Chairman, with Dr. Yakubu Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural and Community Development, as Secretary. Other members include the APC State Chairman, Aminu Musa Bobi; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Binta Mamman; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Nma Kolo; and representatives from local government councils.
The sensitization tour is expected to continue across other emirates and local government areas in the coming days.
