By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Communication, Media, and Strategy, Hon. Jonathan Tsa...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Communication, Media, and Strategy, Hon. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, has assured that all ongoing projects initiated by Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago across the state will be completed before the end of the administration.
Vatsa gave the assurance on Monday in Minna, the state capital, during a meeting with the Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, at the union's secretariat. The meeting was part of his media engagement efforts in the state.
He was recently redeployed by Governor Bago from his previous role as Special Adviser on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to his current position overseeing communication, media, and strategy.
Vatsa said the ongoing internal road construction and six overhead bridges in Minna have significantly transformed the ancient railway town. He noted that “Minna is beginning to wear a new look; it now looks more like a state capital than a glorified local government headquarters.”
He disclosed that the state government is currently executing 556 road projects covering over 1,000 kilometers, including both federal and state roads. He assured that none of the projects would be abandoned and all would be completed before the end of the current administration.
Highlighting the scale of development taking place, Vatsa said, “I can tell you that Governor Bago has completely changed the face of Niger State.” He appealed to the media to support the government by amplifying its achievements, particularly under the “New Niger Agenda,” which includes key reforms in agriculture, education, and the health sector. “This is why I’m here — to seek your support in promoting the government’s activities. I believe we can build a solid partnership,” he stated.
He described journalists as essential to the growth of democracy, recalling his strong relationship with the media when he served as the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Niger State and later as Commissioner for Information. He said his visit to the NUJ State Council was to rekindle that existing relationship and strengthen media collaboration.
Vatsa also revealed that he is working closely with the Commissioner for Information and Strategy to organize a media tour of all the ongoing projects across the state. He explained that while the Ministry of Information would coordinate the tour, the NUJ would be fully involved.
Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu, stressed the importance of a strong relationship between the government and the media, describing journalists as the primary gatekeepers of the state. He emphasized the need for a strategic communication approach to ensure the effective projection of government policies and programmes.
Comrade Nmodu also called on the government to increase investment in state-owned media outfits to enable them to perform more effectively. He described the Special Adviser as a media-friendly personality and assured him of the union’s support in delivering on his responsibilities.
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