By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago has commissioned the electrification project initiated by member representing the good people of Borgu/Agwara Federal constituency, Nigeria State, Jafar Muhammad Ali.
The project included the linking of Lumma-Babanna, two strategic towns in the area, and communities under them to the national grid.
The benefiting community include Lumma, Lambu, Kuble, Yaboi, Audu Fari, Bakwa dukawa, Dabiri, Garuji and Babanna respect.
The lawmaker, it was learnt, also faciliated the connection of Agwara Local Government Area of the state to the national grid in last February 2024.
Benefiting communities on the Agwara side includes, Lumma, Swashi, Guffanti, Kwana, Kwan, Papiri, Gallah, Tashan Fulani, Agwara, Busuru and Rofia.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Lumma-Babanna electrification project, Governor Bago said the Hon Ali’s development vision alligned with that of his administration’s ‘New Niger’ and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope Agenda which can easily be achieved through robust and uninterrupted power supply.
He noted that the electrification project will no doubt change the economic fortune of the people, encourage modern agricultural revolution and promote the potential of Babanna international border market to an enviable pedestal among her equals.
Our correspondent reports that Babanna is the border town between Nigeria and Benin republic.
In 2018, President Muhammadu through the then Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in conjunction with the Niger State government moved to establish a trans-border market in the town.
However, the deplorable condition of the road from Luma to Babana and lack of electricity in the area stalled what many said was a laudable and economically viable project.
Governor Bago lauded the lawmaker for solving the electricity challenges the area has been hitherto facing by connecting both Agwara and Babanna areas with a 33KVA line.
He noted that the project will among other things boost commercial activities through employment generation, reduce crime and youth restiveness as well as growth in the economy of the state.
Mr. Bilyaminu Idris Danburam, the legislative aide to the lawmaker, said his principal has been influencing projects that have direct bearing on the people of the area, adding that more development initiatives are on the way.