By Awwal Umar Kontagora On the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Niger State Governor, Hon. Umaru ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
On the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Niger State Governor, Hon. Umaru Bago, hosted global leaders, industry captains, policymakers, investors, and members of the Nigerian diaspora at the inaugural Niger Day—a landmark event showcasing the state's ambitious development agenda.
The event featured two high-level panel discussions focused on Human Capital Development & Investments and Agricultural Transformation, aligning with the state’s newly unveiled 30-year vision plan. The plan is anchored on four interlinked pillars: improved livelihoods, a sustainable economy, urban renewal with rural transformation, and good governance.
Governor Bago emphasised that this strategic roadmap aims to lift millions out of poverty, establish globally competitive industries, modernise both urban and rural areas, and build accountable institutions—positioning Niger State as a model for subnational transformation in Africa.
Prominent global leaders who contributed to the vibrant discourse included:
Hajiya Shamsuna Ahmed, World Bank Group
Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Africa
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment
Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director, UBA
Dave Krog, CEO, Salin 247 (Iowa, USA)
Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, Director-General, Nigeria Governors’ Forum
Key Highlights: Strategic Partnerships and MoUs
A major highlight of Niger Day was the signing of three landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at accelerating growth and development across key sectors:
Salin 247 Inc. – A framework to advance agricultural mechanization using artificial intelligence and smart technology.
Junior Achievement Nigeria – Launch of the School-to-Work Education Transition for Long-term Youth Fulfillment (SET4LYF) program, designed to empower youth with practical career skills.
Ethnomet Inc. – Deployment of 274 Virtual Primary Care Centres, one in each ward of the state, to revolutionize primary healthcare delivery through digital innovation and capacity building.
These transformative partnerships reaffirm Niger State’s commitment to people-centered, sustainable development, with strong emphasis on agriculture, youth empowerment, education, and healthcare.
As Niger State takes center stage on the global platform, Governor Bago’s administration continues to attract strategic investments and global collaborations aimed at reshaping the state’s future for generations to come.
No comments