Author: Adeloje Ojo

* unknown numbers of recently freed Papiri students abducted in fresh attacks By Aideloje Ojo Minna Terrorists have again attacked communities in Agwarra and Borgu local government areas of Niger state killing no fewer than 42 persons and abducting scores of persons including children. The terrorists, according to sources have laid siege on communities since new year eve attacking villages in Agwara and Borgu local governments of Niger State with reckless impunity. A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “for the last one week, they came angrily and attacked communities at freewill and this because there…

By Aideloje Ojo Minna Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state has reviewed the outgone year 2025, explaining that the administration made remarkable progress in developments across all sectors which had improved the living standards of the people. The Governor in a statement issued on Thursday in Minna described 2025  with mixed feelings considering the achievements and unfortunate incidences that characterised the year, adding that, ” our administration however worked tirelessly to drive development and improve the quality of life of the people of the State”. He said, “some significant progress made, driven by a heavily sustained effort in the…

By Aideloje Ojo Minna The Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with Hubie University in China aimed at expanding global collaboration for joint research, staff exchange, capacity building, and other academic programmes. The Deputy Registrar of the University, Baba Akote stated this on Thursday in a press statement in Minna. According to him, the Vice Chancellor undergone a strategic one-week engagement in Wuhan, China, where he advanced Nigeria’s interests in Agriculture, Veterinary, and Traditional medicines, while sealing new international partnerships for the University. He said, “The Vice…

By Aideloje Ojo Minna Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state has terminated the appointment of all his special advisers as part of measures to restructure governance in the state. The Governor announced this during his maiden Council meeting with his newly sworn-in Commissioners at the council chamber of Government House, Minna on Tuesday. He said, ” the termination of their appointment  is to allow us rejig and reposition their portfolios with the view to making them more effective and efficient in line with the  New Niger agenda”. He appreciated former advisers  for their sacrifices and contributions towards the success…

By Aideloje Ojo Minna Niger State Governor Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has presented more than N1.3 trillion as the 2026 appropriation bill to the State Assembly. The estimate, christened “Budget of Consolidation”, was presented by farmer Governor at the chamber of the State House of Assembly in Minna. More than N270 billion (26.19%) was estimated as recurrent expenditure, while capital expenditure stands at above N761 billion, representing 73.81% of the total estimate. Farmer Governor Umaru Bago said the budget is expected to be financed by revenue from statutory allocation, value-added tax (VAT), internally generated revenue, other FAAC receipts, other IGR,…

By Aideloje Ojo Minna Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state has given reasons for advocating for single tenure for governors, elected and appointed officials arguing that it would lead to  efficiency in delivering of democratic dividends. The Governor stated this on Friday while swearing in New Commissioners and newly elected Local Government Councils chairmen in Minna. He argued that the guest for second term in office is affecting the focus and actions of Governors and others in terms of taking critical decisions. He explained that his hands are tied in this regard because there are some people who…

By Aideloje Ojo Minna The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi are expected as special guests at the 2025 annual national convection of the Azza Development Association (ADA) scheduled for December 26, 2025. The National Chairman of the association, Abubakar Ibrahim Mikugi stated in a statement issued on Thursday in Minna. He said, “The Executive Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago and Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi the Minister of Information and National Orientation are the Special Guests of Honour”. He explained that the Convention would…

Police rescue 5-month old baby, 8 other minors from child trafficking Pastors By Aideloje Ojo Minna The police in Niger state has smashed a child trafficking syndicate to rescue 8 minors including a 5- months old baby, Saifullahi Abdulmumini, purportedly sold at the cost of N2.7m by an evangelist Pastor identified as Rosemary in Abuja The police, it was learnt, have cracked down on the syndicate leading to the rescue of the 9 kids and the arrest of 11  people in connection with the child trafficking offense. The Police Public Relations Officer PPRO of the state police command, SP Wasiu…

By Aideloje Ojo Minna Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state has explained that parents and concerned citizens are anxiously waiting for the return of the recently abducted Catholic school children while restating the commitment of government to ensure their safety . The Governor stated this Wednesday when he declared open 8-day retreat for commissioner designates and other political appointees including Permanent Secretaries in Minna,  represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba. He said, “The unfortunate abduction of school children and teachers at St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri in Agwara Local Government. This is highly condemnable and has left…

By Aideloje Ojo Minna The Sani Bello Foundation in partnership with Graceland Healthcare Development Foundation, have provided free surgical care to more than 600 patients at Kontagora General Hospital to commemorate Col. Sani Bello’s (Rtd) birthday. The ailments treated included fibroids, appendicitis, hernias, goiters, lumps, and eye issues including cataracts and pterygium. It also included dental services for the first time and distributed over 600 glasses. A breakdown of the treatment include 399 general surgeries, 117 eye operations, 199 dental procedures, 174 total toothpaste/toothbrush dispenser, 122 dental medications given, 91 tooth extractions, 59 tooth washing, 45…