Why Bago Will Remain Most Talked About For A While

It goes without saying that the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, is virtually the most discussed person in his state and one of the most talked about in the north.

Insiders insist that this development is not about to end soon.

Findings reveal that the reasons for this assertion have their roots in how he is doing things.

A major contributor is said to be his adoption of a youthful leadership style.

A former three-term House of Representatives member (June 20, 2011, to May 2023), Bago has not only consistently postured himself as a youth since he assumed office but has also ensured his policies and programmes prioritize the empowerment, job creation, and education of young people.

It has endeared him to this demographic and made him an endless talking point in their midst.

The 50-year-old’s intentionality in impacting rural areas by improving roads, healthcare facilities, access to clean water, and related infrastructural development has helped him establish stronger connections with the grassroots and boosted conversations about all that he does.

In a state battling food security, largely due to insecurity that forced farmers off farmlands for a prolonged period, Bago’s huge investment in Niger State’s agricultural potential and aggressive efforts to catch up on lost grounds have made him the subject of relentless discussions.

His administration has invested in schemes that support farmers through access to inputs, training, and modern techniques.

The ongoing execution of his Feed the Nation agenda also continues to gain him national attention.

This has been helped by the seriousness of purpose shown through different initiatives, including the recent flag-off of over 100,000 hectares of cornfields and the provision of 1.2 million hectares of land in Niger State for the N2.5 billion livestock investment deal the Federal Government struck with JBS, a Brazilian national company regarded as one of the world’s largest meat processing companies.

Although some believe that his administration is allegedly not doing enough to address insecurity in parts of Niger State, including banditry and kidnapping, there are also those who insist that his government has been proactive in security matters—especially in collaborating with security agencies, providing resources, and fostering community-based security initiatives.

The narratives and counter-narratives concerning the protection of lives and properties in Niger State continue to keep Bago on the lips of many.

While his fans insist that Bago runs an open administration that engages citizens in decision-making processes, fostering transparency in addressing local concerns, and building trust and loyalty across divides, opposition parties and their followers claim otherwise—particularly regarding budgetary allocations and contracts. This is another development that sustains his status as one of the most visible politicians in the north.

The former banker is governing the state under the political party in charge of the Federal Government—the All Progressives Congress (APC).