Paradigm Media Trust and Consultancy

NIGER STATE GOV'T TARGETS ENROLMENT OF ADDITIONAL 65 THOUSAND BENEFICIARIES OF HEALTH VULNERABLE RESIDENTS; FLAGS OFF BASIC HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE.

The Niger State government has flagged off the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) vulnerable drive with a target of enrolling additional 65,000 vulnerable residents as beneficiaries of the health insurance coverage.

The basic healthcare provision fund is a national security initiative by the federal government as a key public financing vehicle established under the National Health Act 2014 to improve access to primary care and it is financed by at least 1% of the Federal Government's Consolidated Revenue Fund to deliver basic medical services to poor and vulnerable populations.

Flagging off the enrolment drive in Niger State, wife of the farmer governor, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago said, while hospitals and other heath facilities are improved, it remains imperative to ensure that people can acess the services available within them without financial hardship.

Fatima Bago expressed optimism that the initiative will therefore provide ample opportunity to access essential healthcare services even as she apprecaited the tremendous strides recorded by the farmer governor in improving health sector across the State.

She therefore encouraged traditional and religious leaders, community leaders,health care workers, development partners and the media to help in carrying out sensitization campaigns that will enable more people enrol and benefit from the State's health care scheme, NiCARE.

The commissioner for health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana in his remarks described the BHCPF scheme as a vital instrument for expanding healthcare access across the State stressing that, with the dedication of the Niger State Contributory Health Scheme (NiCare) and the support of development partners, more than 121,000 residents have already benefited from essential health services.

Dr. Bagana said, the launch of the enrolment of an additional 65,000 vulnerable persons
across the 25 Local Government Areas is another significant step towards
achieving Universal Health Coverage as it presents a
renewed hope for families who will now have access to essential healthcare
without financial hardship.

Executive Secretary and CEO, Niger State Contributory Health Agency, Sulayman Abu-Bakr in his speech said, since the commencement of the Basic Health care provision fund in the State in 2020, a total of 80,230 vulnerable beneficiaries have been enrolled with 298,000 malaria cases treated, 106,000 antenatal visits and 68,000 children immunized.

Abu-Bakr who commended the remarkable efforts of the farmer governor in the health sector said, many vulnerable Nigerlites have not enrolled in the scheme as such, the 65,000 beneficiaries to be added is unprecedented in the State government's quest to improve the livelihood of the people.

There were goodwill messages from representatives from National Health Insurance Authority, World Bank, Niger State Internal Revenue Service and other development partners who all applauded the State government's initiatives in the health sector and reassured of their continued support.

Highlights of the event include the formal unveiling of the wife of the farmer governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago as NiCARE ambassador and the inauguration of local government vice chairpersons as health insurance ambassadors.

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State
3/8/2026

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT JOINS GLOBAL COMMUNITY IN MARKING WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK.

Niger State government has joined the global community in marking the world breastfeeding week with this year's theme focusing on nutrition, food security, and poverty reduction.

Wife of the Niger State governor, Fatima Mohammed Bago who flagged off the week in Minna re emphasized the significance of breastfeeding to children with a call on the expectant and nursing mothers to embrace exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after delivery .

Fatima Bago who described breastfeeding as one of the earliest and most important foundation of a child's health said, it provides essential nutrition, supports healthy growth and development and helps to protect babies during the most vulnerable stages of their lives.

She equally stressed that the responsibility must not be left to mothers alone as husbands must provide enabling environment for their wives, while employers should also support nursing mothers just as healthcare workers must continue to provide mothers with the right information, counselling and advice.

The Executive Director, Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Junaidu Inuwa reaffirmed the need for a collective commitment to giving every child a healthy positive side of life through optimal breastfeeding, quality nutrition and accessible healthcare services.

Dr. Junaidu said, the commemoration of the world breastfeeding week should be more than an annual observance but a global call to action and a reminder to government and all stakeholders that breastfeeding remains one of the most effective intervention for child's survival and promoting lifelong health.

He acknowledged a significant stride in the State in terms of breastfeeding analysis but insisted that more most be done in order to meet the global target of 60% of children to be exclusively breastfed by 2030.

He used the medium to commend the farmer governor for his numerous interventions in the health sector and described it as remarkable.

The theme for this year's world breastfeeding week is, " Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strenghten what works".

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State
3/8/2026

GOV. BAGO CELEBRATES HIS DG PROTOCOL ON HIS BIRTHDAY.

Niger state Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago extends his felicitation to his Director General (DG) of Protocol, Yerima Abdullahi, on his birthday.

In a birthday message through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the Farmer Governor extols the virtues of his D.G protocol, describing him as humble, steadfast, and devoted to his duties.

He acknowledges his close-knit friendship with the celebrant that has existed for decades.

The Farmer Governor applauds his DG protocol for his significant role in coordinating government activities.

He says the support of the celebrant to his administration is invaluable and commendable.

The Farmer Governor, while thanking God for the life of his D.G. protocol, prays that Allah will grant him more fulfilling years, keep him strong, and reward his selfless service.

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary
to the Governor of Niger State
2/8/2026.

FARMER GOVERNOR UMARU BAGO GRACES GRAND FINALE OF 2026 MINNA NATIONAL POLO TOURNAMENT

Niger State governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago was among the spectators that attended the grand finale of the 2026 Minna National Polo Tournament held at the Minna polo ground, Minna.

The farmer governor watched with excitement as team profile beat team Malcomines to win the coveted IBB Cup.

Bago Farms Polo team captained by the farmer governor's son Marwan Mohammed Bago were also winners of the Emir's Cup as well as the Governor's Cup while the General Hassan Cup was won by Profile polo Club.

Speaking after the tournament, the farmer governor congratulated all the participants that competed in the various Cups for a display of good sportsmanship all through the tournament.

The farmer governor who is also the President of Minna Polo Club used the forum to again appreciate the first Vice President of Minna Polo Club, Mohammed Babangida for his leadership in ensuring that the game of Polo is sustained in Niger State

Farmer Bago also reassured of his commitment to the game of Polo and will continue to give it all the necessary support needed.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of trophies and plagues to team players of all the winning teams as well as award presentation to outstanding players of the tournament.

The event was well attended with the likes of the Emir of Minna, Umar Faruk Bahago, the Wakilin birnin Adamawa Dr. Umar Usman Bazza among those present.

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State
2/8/2026

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT INAUGURATES REMODELED FACILITIES AT GENERAL HOSPITAL MINNA

The Niger State government has inaugurated some newly remodelled facilities at the General Hospital Minna in marking 100 years existence of the State's oldest health centre.

The hospital was established in 1926 during the colonial era as a railway staff medical centre and transformed into a government owned hospital providing primary and secondary specialized healthcare services.

The commissioning of some of the remodelled facilities at the hospital which includes the male and female medical wards, male and female surgical wards, paedtraitric surgical ward, paedritric medical ward and the emergency paediatric unit which were initially started during the Abubakar Sani Bello's administration is part of the farmer governor's reaffirmed commitment of building a resilient healthcare system.

Wife of the farmer governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago who inaugurated the new facilities described the project as a significant milestone as the facilities represent a renewed hope for thousands of people who deserve quality, timely and compassionate healthcare in a safe and dignified environment.

Fatima Bago identified the project as a celebration of hope, compassion and purposeful leadership adding that, every investment in healthcare is ultimately an investment in human life, family wellbeing and for the future of the society.

She applauded the foresight of her husband in his vision as the transformation of the General Hospital reflects his visionary leadership and his commitment clearly demonstrates that the health and wellbeing of the people remains a priority under the new niger agenda.

According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, the remodelling of some of the new facilities is part of phase one among subsequent phases that will see to the overall transformation of the General Hospital.

Dr. Bagana disclosed that, the target is for a comprehensive transformation of the hospital from its present 368 bedded capacity to 500 bedded referral hospital that will make it the largest in North Central and also pave way for the commencement of residency program and a temporal site for medical school.

He also added that, subsequent phases will have operating theatre, modern accident and emergency complex, expanded outpatient services, renewable energy and waste management systems, state of the art diagnostic facilities and staff accomodations .

The commissioner also revealed that, farmer governor Bago has procured 2000 high quality hospital beds to be distributed across the 22 general hospitals in the State with 40 wheel chairs while the State is in partnership with Malaria consortium where malaria medicines and essential commodities valued at over N2.5b will be distributed across the 25 LGAs.

The Managing Director, General Hospital Minna, Dr. Muhammad Isah appreciated the farmer governor for the gesture and described his intervention as apt and timely and a demonstration of his concern for the wellbeing of citizens.

Chairman,Chanchaga Local Government Council, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Alheri in his remarks commended the farmer governor for his visionary leadership style and for his unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of the citizenry through his people oriented policies.

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State
1/8/2026

FARMER GOVERNOR UMARU BAGO PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO THE FAMILY OF LATE SARDAUNAN SOKOTO, ALHAJI ABUBAKAR ALHAJI

Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, at their residence in Sokoto State to sympathize with them over his demise.

The farmer Governor in an interview with newsmen described the passing of the late Elder Statesman as not only a loss to Sokoto State but the Country in general.

He described him as a father figure, very caring and religious adding that, he was also a brainard Scholar who was dedicated to Islam and the society and was known for his vast knowledge about Quran and other religious books.

Farmer Bago equally acknowledged that the late Sardaunan Sokoto lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation and will be greatly missed.

He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the deceased, grants him Jannatul Firdaus, and give the entire family the strength and patience to bear the irreparable loss.

The farmer Governor was also at the Palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III to commiserate with the Sultanate over the passing of Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji.

Farmer Bago accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State and other top government officials, extended his heartfelt sympathies and offered some words of comfort as well as prayed for Allah’s guidance, protection, and blessings upon the nation and its leaders.

Farmer Governor Umaru Bago paid similar visit to the family of late Hajiya Kande Wushishi, wife of the late General M.I.Wushishi to commiserate with them in Kaduna.

The farmer Governor who urged the family to take the demise of Hajiya Kande in good faith, prayed that Allah gives the entire Wushishi family the strength and patience to bear the loss.

He was also at the family residence of his bosom friend Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim (Dan Alhaji) to condole with him over the demise of his mother,Hajiya Zainab.

The farmer Governor who admitted the pain of losing a mother encouraged his friend not to relent in praying for her and urged the family to hold on to the legacies she left behind.

Prayers were offered for the repose of her soul and other departed souls.

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State
31/7/2026

FARMER GOVERNOR UMARU BAGO COMMISERATES WITH NIGER STATE IMAM FORUM AND THE FAMILY OF LATE CHIEF IMAM OF KPAKUNGU

Niger State governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has commiserated with the family of late Sheikh Yahya Abdullahi, the Chief Imam of Kpakungu.

The farmer governor in a condolence message through his Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim described the death of Sheikh Yahya as a colossal loss to the Muslim Community.

Farmer Umaru Bago also extended his deepest condolences to the Chairman of Imams Forum, Niger State Chapter and its members over the loss and prayed that Allah in his infinite mercy forgives the deceased and grants him entry into Aljannat Firdaus.

He acknowledged the immense contributions of the late Islamic Scholar to the propagation of Islam .

Farmer Bago admitted that the State has lost one of its finest Imams whose vast knowledge has been instrumental to the growth of Islam in the State and beyond.

The farmer governor also acknowledged the late Scholar's efforts in ensuring peaceful co-existence among the residents of the state through his wise preachings.

Meanwhile,the funeral prayer and burial for the deceased has been held at the Kpakungu Muslim cemetery where the Director-General, Niger State Bureau for Religious Affairs, Malam Umar Faruk Abdullahi represented the farmer governor.

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State
31/7/2026

GOV. BAGO MOURNS FORMER FINANCE MINISTER AND SARDAUNAN SOKOTO.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago mourns the former minister of finance and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alh. Abubakar Alhaji.

In a message through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the Farmer Governor describes the death of the elder statesman as a monumental loss to the country.

He recounts the numerous selfless service contributions of the deceased to national development.

The Farmer Governor notes that the various ministries where the late Alhaji served are proof of his diligence and commitment to public service.

He says the Sardaunan Sokoto has written his name in gold and will not be forgotten in the annals of Nigeria's history.

The Farmer Governor also observes that as a famous traditional title holder in Northern Nigeria who succeeded the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the late Alhaji was able to contribute to the strengthening of traditional institutions across the Northern region.

He prays that Allah will forgive the shortcomings of Alhaji and grant him Aljanna Firdausi and also comfort all that are affected by his demise.

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary
to the Governor of Niger State
31/7/2026.

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT REITERATES CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP WITH NNPC FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Niger State governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has reiterated his administration's commitment to partnering with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd NNPC for sustained efforts at developing the Country.

The farmer governor stated this after the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Niger State government and NNPC Energy Ltd NNEL on gas master plan collaboration during the AKK and energy business development forum held at the Government House Minna.

The agreement is for cooperation in the promotion and development of renewable energy and low carbon solutions as a frame work for the identification , development and implementation of renewable energy, low carbon and nature based projects in Niger State.

The Secretary to the State government, Abubakar Usman along with the Commissioner for Justice Mu'azu Nasir signed on behalf of the State government while the Managing Director, NNPC Energy Ltd, Abdurrahman Haruna signed on behalf of NNPC.

Farmer governor Umaru Bago while commending the NNPC for its partnership with Niger State government said, gas infrastructure means a lot to the State and as such, his administration will provide all the requirements necessary for investment to thrive.

The farmer governor said, he has already directed Chairman of Suleja local government council to provide the land where the CNG project will be established.

Farmer Bago disclosed that the State is determined to make Suleja a corridor and a hub for all CNG trucks stressing that, he must work for the economic prosperity of all Nigerlites.

The Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and new energy, NNPC Ltd, Olalekan Ogunleye said, the CNG project is a major priority of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and will ensure that Niger State becomes an important domain for CNG commercialization in Nigeria.

He disclosed that, a Mother CNG station will be built in Suleja while other locations across the State are being considered as well.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and investment, Aminu Suleiman Takuma appreciated the NNPC for regarding Niger State as worthy partners and reassured that the State government has put in measures in place to enable investors reap the benefits of their investments without hindrance.

The AKK and energy business development forum with the theme, " accelearating domestic gas utilisation and driving the CNG revolution along the AKK corridor" also featured panel sessions where panelists digressed on issues and made recommendations.

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State
30/7/2026

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT SIGNS MOU WITH NNPC FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GAS MASTER PLAN.

Niger State government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company ltd NNPC for the development and implementation of the gas master plan that will leverage the AKK gas pipeline for commercialization and industrialization.

The agreement was signed during the AKK and Energy business development forum held at the Government House Minna between the Niger State government and the NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd NGML.

Secretary to the State government Abubakar Usman and Commissioner for Justice Mu'azu Nasir signed on behalf of the State government while the Executive Director Gas distribution, NGML, Awwal Ibrahim and company secretary, NNPC New Energy ltd signed on behalf of the Company.

Farmer Umaru Bago who described the agreement as a new exploit for Niger State and Nigeria said, it will change the entire landscape of industrialization not just in Niger State but the whole of sub Saharan Africa.

Farmer Bago also commended the NNPC for considering Niger State in the project which will provide opportunity for agro-allied companies, fertiliser companies, hydro carbon companies, as well as compliment the State's hydro and solar power sources.

He said, the State government will take advantage of the project to create employment for its citizens and expand the landscape of the State by making it more productive.

The farmer governor also hinted that the AKK pipeline will boost the GDP of the State as more companies will spring up even as he announced that his administration has declared the entire stretch of the AKK pipeline axis as industrial development zone, and will be gazetted to pave way for more investors to come.

Farmer Bago also disclosed that the AKK pipeline project will held greatly in unlocking the potentials of the Bida Basin for the prosperity of all Nigerlites.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Eng'r Bashir Bayo Ojulari represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and new energy, Olalekan Ogunleye said the NNPC leadership is committed to maximizing the benefit of the AKK pipeline for the people of Niger State as the State is an important energy hub in the Country.

He disclosed that the NNPC is consistently focused on Niger State to make sure that the value of AKK is optimised through the gas marketing subsidiary that will be extended to Suleja, Lambata and Minna

Olalekan said, the efforts of the NNPC are practical commitment for the gas masterplan for Niger State which is a framework for organic systematic development of gas commercialization in Niger State.

Managing Director, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), Audu Ibrahim who gave an update on the AKK Gas Pipeline project, highlighted the level of progress made on the construction and expressed optimism that the project would significantly improve gas supply to industries and businesses upon completion.

While describing the state as strategically positioned to become a key hub for gas-based industrial development, the Executive Director, Gas Distribution, NGML, Auwal Ibrahim, said Niger State stands to benefit immensely from the project., disclosing that plans are underway to expand gas distribution infrastructure across the state to support industries, businesses and households with reliable and affordable energy.

Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of traditional rulers, Yahaya Abubakar commended the Federal Government for the thoughtful idea and reassured of the traditional institutions readiness to collaborating with the government to better the lives of the citizenry.

In his address, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, described the forum as a strategic platform for strengthening partnerships that will position Niger State to fully benefit from the opportunities presented by the AKK Gas Pipeline adding that, Governor Bago’s administration is committed to providing an enabling environment for investment, infrastructure, formulate policies and institutional support that will allow businesses to thrive.

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State
30/7/2026