President Bola Tinubu has boasted that Nigeria will become self-sufficient in food production during his tenure.
The President, who received the traditional title of Niger's Jagaban Borg some 20 years ago, vowed to support all efforts towards the rapid development of the nation.
Mr. Tinubu disclosed this on Thursday at Kakakpagi in Kutch Local Government Area of the state while inaugurating the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the 84-kilometre road from NOK 169.7 billion from Bida to Minna.
He called on other local government leaders to emulate what he called “the great strides made by Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago.”
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, said Nigeria would become self-sufficient in food production during his administration, pledging that the federal government would continue to partner with states to bring development to their people. .
“For governments at all levels to grow, there must be cordial relations. The Federal Government will help ensure Niger achieves the desired prosperity. During my administration, Nigeria became self-sufficient in food production. We will become self-sufficient. Road construction will save lives and pave the way for greater economic development,” Tinubu said.
The President commended the First Class Traditional Ruler and Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Mr. Yahaya Abubakar of the Etu Nupe Nation, for ensuring peace in the territory.
“As the traditional title holder of Jagaba Bolgu for about 20 years now, I am also a son of Niger and I intend to participate in everything that brings development to the people of the state,” Tinubu said.
In his address, Governor Mohammed Bago said the construction of the Bida-Minna road was a promise fulfilled.
“As outlined in the agreement with the Nigerien people under the New Niger Agenda, this groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of the construction of an 84km long standard two-lane road with street lights, interchanges and underpasses at both ends of the road. and the promise was fulfilled.
“This project is of paramount economic importance to us as a state. Therefore, the groundbreaking ceremony we are witnessing today is a paradigm shift from the usual lip service of the past.
This demonstrates our commitment to building long-lasting, world-class road infrastructure to make Niger a reference point for Nigeria’s infrastructure and socio-economic development.
“We are ready to change the negative narrative in line with our ambitious New Niger Agenda,” he said.
