The governor of Niger State, Muhammed Umar Bago, has advised the chairmen of the state’s 25 local governments to remain focused and not be distracted by any obstacles that may hinder progress in their respective areas. The governor gave this advice during a retreat organized by the State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The theme of the retreat was ‘Empowering Local Government Leaders for Sustainable Development: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities’ and it was held at the State Liaison Office in Abuja.
Highlighting the importance of the retreat, Governor Bago emphasized the need for local governments, especially those in rural areas, to leverage their unique advantages in agriculture and its value chain. He encouraged the chairmen to explore the potential of agriculture-related activities as a means of generating income and driving economic growth in their localities.
The state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mu’azu Hamidu Jantabo, explained that the retreat was organized with the aim of improving the capacity and enhancing the effective service delivery of the local government chairmen in Niger State. He emphasized that the retreat offered a valuable opportunity for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and networking, enabling the chairpersons to enhance their leadership abilities and contribute meaningfully to the development of Niger State.
By staying focused, the chairmen of the local governments in Niger State can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development and addressing the challenges faced by their communities. With agriculture as a key focus, the chairmen have the potential to harness the rich agricultural resources of the state and create opportunities for economic growth and poverty reduction. By capitalizing on agricultural value chains, such as processing and marketing, they can unlock the full potential of the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of the people in their areas.
The success of the chairmen in driving sustainable development will not only benefit the local communities but also contribute to the overall growth and progress of Niger State. It is therefore essential for them to remain focused, resist distractions, and embrace opportunities that arise in their quest for development. By doing so, they can make a significant impact and create a brighter future for Niger State.
Keywords: Niger State, local government chairmen, sustainable development, agriculture, economic growth, poverty reduction, leadership, capacity building
