By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja

Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (SMA), has lauded the Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, for what he described as visionary, courageous, and people-centered leadership over the past two years.

Abdullahi, who represents Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency, made the remarks during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, as part of the governor’s second anniversary in office.

“As we mark the second anniversary of a new chapter in the leadership of Niger State, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago (Turakin Nupe), for two years of purposeful and transformational governance,” Abdullahi said.

He praised Governor Bago—popularly known as the Farmer Governor—for redefining public service through bold reforms in agriculture, education, infrastructure, and inclusive governance.

“He is the first leader in the history of our state to visit all 25 local government areas multiple times, and he chose to do so by road,” Abdullahi noted. “This is a demonstration of accessibility and deep engagement with the grassroots.”

Among the governor’s notable achievements are the establishment of Abdulkadir Kure University in Minna and the IBBU Teaching Hospital, which Abdullahi described as “monumental strides” in the education and healthcare sectors. Thousands of students, he added, have benefited from scholarship schemes introduced by the administration.

Abdullahi highlighted Governor Bago’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, the creation of jobs, and the provision of permanent appointments. He added that the procurement of tractors and modern equipment has revitalized farming and inspired rural communities toward achieving food security.

“The governor’s respect for traditional institutions has restored dignity and trust in one of our society’s most vital pillars,” he said, noting that security has also improved under Bago’s leadership through collaboration with security agencies and local stakeholders.

A standout initiative, according to Abdullahi, is the creation of Ward Development Committees, with each of the state’s 274 wards receiving ₦3 million monthly for grassroots-led projects. “This bold policy empowers communities and decentralizes development,” he said.

Abdullahi applauded Governor Bago’s unveiling of a 20-Year Development Plan for Bida and the ongoing construction of the Bida Ring Road, which has improved mobility and boosted commercial activities. He also cited the revival of the long-neglected Bida–Minna Road as a key achievement.

He described the reactivation of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna as a “landmark achievement,” especially for facilitating the direct airlift of Hajj pilgrims—an improvement over years of delays and logistical setbacks.

“For decades, pilgrims had to travel to airports outside the state, but today, they depart directly from Minna in a more dignified and efficient process,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Abdullahi praised Governor Bago’s model of governance as one rooted in visibility, accountability, and innovation.

“These achievements in just two years have earned him national recognition. His leadership has raised the standard of governance and restored public confidence. I celebrate his energy, courage, and unwavering commitment to the dignity and development of our people,” he said.