In a state steadily marching toward a brighter and more inclusive future, His Excellency, Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, continues to lead from the front—driving innovation, fostering empowerment, and building strategic alliances to transform Niger State into a beacon of sustainable development and opportunity.
Recently, the Governor and his deputy, His Excellency Comrade Yakubu Garba, hosted a high-level delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, led by Mr. Mohamed Yahya. This distinguished visit brought together an impressive array of state officials, including Hon. Mustapha Ndajiwo, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Suleiman Isah, Commissioner for Communications Technology and Digital Economy, and other heads of ministries and agencies.
A Visit to Labspace Nigeria: A Hub of Innovation
The delegation visited Labspace Nigeria, a prominent women-led innovation hub making waves in the state’s tech ecosystem. This visit marked a significant moment in the state’s digital transformation agenda. At the hub, Commissioner Suleiman Isah briefed the UNDP team on Governor Bago’s commitment to replicating similar innovation centres across Niger State—spaces that will serve as launchpads for youth empowerment, skills development, digital literacy, and tech-driven entrepreneurship.
This collaboration signals a bold step toward inclusivity in innovation—ensuring women and young people have the tools and environment to thrive in the digital age.
Empowerment through Partnership: GIZ SEDIN Workshop
In a related event, Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, representing Governor Umaru Bago, delivered a keynote at the official opening of a workshop hosted by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) on September 26th, 2023, at Guidel Hotel, Minna. The workshop, under the Pro-Poor Growth and Promotion of Employment (SEDIN) Programme, brought stakeholders together to discuss sustainable economic solutions.
Governor Bago’s address acknowledged GIZ’s long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s development since 1974, applauding their impact across sectors. He also laid bare the realities confronting Niger State—poverty, insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and limited access to quality education and healthcare. He emphasized that meaningful partnerships, like that with GIZ, are crucial in confronting these challenges head-on.
On his part, Mr. Markus Vashkur, Head of Programme at GIZ SEDIN, reiterated the organization’s commitment to working alongside the Niger State Government to promote decent employment, income generation, and security through private sector collaboration and locally-driven solutions.
A Vision in Motion
These two events highlight a strategic alignment between Niger State and its global development partners. Whether through innovation hubs or employment programs, the goal is clear: to empower citizens, reduce poverty, and unlock the state’s immense potential through inclusive growth and modern solutions.
With Governor Bago’s leadership and the active participation of key stakeholders—locally and internationally—Niger State is poised to become a hub of opportunity, innovation, and prosperity for all its citizens.
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