The Niger State Development Forum has reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with the administration of Governor Mohammed Bago to promote the development of the state and its people.

The forum, chaired by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to Mr Bago at the Niger State Liaison Office in Abuja.

Mr Idris said the forum was committed to supporting the governor’s development agenda through constructive engagement, informed advice and collective efforts aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

He said the forum recognised the importance of cooperation between stakeholders and the state government in promoting stability, prosperity and sustainable development.

“Niger State Development Forum remains committed to working constructively with your administration in advancing the shared aspirations of our people,” Mr Idris said.

He appreciated the governor’s openness to engagement and assured him of the forum’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

The minister also expressed gratitude to Mr Bago for the confidence reposed in his leadership and acknowledged the contributions of members of the forum, including those who could not attend the meeting.

He said members of the forum considered Niger their common home and were determined to support efforts to move the state forward, irrespective of their political affiliations.

“Niger State is our state. We will do whatever it takes to help you push that state forward. We have seen that energy in you,” Mr Idris said.

According to him, the forum’s support for the governor was non-partisan and guided by the collective interest of the state and its people.

He urged stakeholders across political divides to work together to ensure that Niger State achieved its developmental objectives and occupied its rightful position among Nigerian states.

Mr Idris said the forum had confidence in Mr Bago’s leadership, describing him as a youthful and purposeful governor with the vision and energy to drive the state’s development.

“We have seen in our youthful, purposeful governor, a governor with a vision, someone who wants to drive this state forward with his energy,” he said.

He said the forum considered it necessary to provide the governor with the support required to translate his vision into tangible benefits for the people.

The minister said the forum’s responsibilities extended beyond acknowledging the government’s efforts to providing a platform for constructive engagement, informed advice and collective action.

He said members were prepared to deploy their expertise, professional networks, experience and goodwill to support government policies and programmes.

Mr Idris identified attracting investment, strengthening partnerships and supporting development-oriented initiatives as key areas in which the forum could contribute to the state’s progress.

He commended the Bago administration for its willingness to engage with the forum and draw on the experience and knowledge of its members in formulating policies and implementing development programmes.

The minister also extended the forum’s condolences to the governor and the people of Nigeria over recent tragedies, expressing sympathy with the families affected by the incidents.

He particularly condoled with Mr Bago over the death of Aminu Yusuf, whom he described as a member of the forum, a great supporter of the governor and a contributor to the development of Niger State.

Mr Idris said Mr Yusuf’s death had created a significant vacuum that would be difficult to fill, adding that the forum shared in the governor’s grief and prayed for Allah’s comfort for the bereaved families.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would grant eternal rest to the deceased and give their families the strength to bear their losses.

The minister also acknowledged Mr Bago’s continued collaboration with the federal government to strengthen the protection of lives and property in Niger State.

He said such cooperation was important in ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians and other residents of the state.

Responding, Mr Bago thanked the Niger State Development Forum, particularly under Mr Idris’s leadership, for its continued engagement with his administration and its contributions to the state’s development agenda.

The governor said the forum had consistently offered recommendations that had helped shape the policies and programmes of his administration.

He expressed appreciation for the forum’s willingness to work with the state government, saying continued cooperation among stakeholders would be important in achieving Niger State’s development aspirations.

(NAN)