Prominent Nigerian leaders, including the speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, deputy senate president, Barau Jibrin, and former foreign affairs minister, Amb. Zubairu Dada has lauded the leadership and achievements of the Niger State governor, Muhammad Umaru Bago, at the book launch in his honour.
The two books, Niger State Under a Great Democrat: Farmer Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago and The Local Government Council in Nigeria, are authored by Sayuti Ibrahim Halilu, chairman of Agaie local government area.
The books, launched in Abuja, spotlight Bago’s rapid infrastructural and agricultural strides since taking office in 2023 and the role of local governance in national development.
Hon. Saidu Abdullahi, who represented the speaker, commended the governor’s performance and recognised his impact on governance.
He assured that the National Assembly would study the book and explore legislative actions to enhance governance.
“Within less than two years, Governor Bago has become a reference point for leadership; his contributions serve as an inspiration to future leaders”, he said.
Representing the deputy senate president, Barau Jibrin, the managing director of the North-West Development Commission, Prof Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, commended the governor’s agricultural policies and economic reforms.
The deputy senate president also celebrated Bago’s dedication to transparency and public service, which he said had positioned Niger State as a beacon of good governance.
He said, “Governor Bago has transformed Niger State into an agricultural powerhouse through strategic investments and policy reforms, his leadership in food security and economic empowerment is an example for other states to follow.”
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Zubairu Dada reflected on Governor Bago’s unexpected rise to power and his remarkable performance since assuming office.
The former minister lauded the governor’s ability to execute large-scale projects despite limited financial resources, describing his administration’s achievements as “mind-blowing.”
“A lot of people did not give him a chance when he declared his interest in the governorship, but God works in mysterious ways, and today, he has surpassed expectations with his visionary leadership and ambitious projects”, Dada said.
In his remarks, the author Sayuti Ibrahim Halilu stressed the importance of documenting governance and leadership, emphasising that his books were not just academic exercises but a call to action.
He lauded Governor Bago for his focus on infrastructure, agriculture, and unity and described him as a leader who embodies the principles of democracy.
“These books were inspired by the people, their struggles, dreams and unwavering belief in a better Nigeria, governor Bago’s vision is no longer just words, it is action, impact, and development, his administration has turned Niger State into a food hub and a model of inclusive governance,” Halilu said.
