Niger govt promises citizens improved livelihood

Niger State government has promised to ensure the state ranks among the most economically viable and peaceful in the country.

The Acting Governor, Yakubu Garba, stated this while speaking to journalists after observing two Raka’at Eid prayers presided over by the Chief Imam of Minna, Ibrahim Fari, at the Minna Eid praying ground, on Wednesday.

He described Eid el-Kabir as an important act of Islamic worship that symbolises the believers’ faith, trust and obedience, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to fulfil Allah’s command to sacrifice his son, Isma’il.

According to the acting governor, the festival goes beyond animal sacrifice, stressing the need to appreciate that faith and trust in Allah, as well as obedience to his commandments, was the foundation of the relationship between man and his Creator.

Garba said: “As we mark the 2023 festival of sacrifice, I urge you all to imbibe the lessons that underline the celebration, which essentially reinforces the spirit of sacrifice, tolerance, sympathy, empathy, devotion and harmonious coexistence.”

“As patriotic citizens, we all need to use this occasion to renew our commitment to the pursuit of peace, unity, progress and overall development of our state and the country,” he added.

Garba reiterated the commitment of Governor Mohammed Bago’s administration to curb insecurity in the state and improve livelihoods.

He noted security, welfare of citizens, infrastructural development and urban renewal as the key priorities of the Bago regime.

Calling on Nigerlites to support the administration, he expressed appreciation to God, traditional and religious leaders, as well as Niger people, for giving them the mandate.

Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, who also attended the Eid prayers, said no government would succeed without the support of the citizenry, adding that if people do what is right, the society would be better.