Niger state government has approved the release of three million naira to each of the two hundred and seventy four wards across the twenty five Local Government Areas for the implementation of Ward Development projects.
The approval was announced when the State Ward Development Project Steering Committee, led by the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Phallalu Bako Mohammed visited some Emirs on a sensitization tour of some key traditional institutions in the state.
Phallalu Bako Mohammed reaffirmed the determination of Governor Umar Bago led administration in reviving the Ward Development Project as a vehicle for delivering tangible development to communities across all the two hundred and seventy four wards in Niger state.
The committee paid courtesy visits to the Emirate Councils of Suleja, Lapai, and Agaie to engage with traditional leaders and local stakeholders on the objectives and implementation strategy of the Ward Development Project.
According to him “each of the warde will receive Three Million Naira (₦3,000,000) to implement locally driven projects identified by community leaders and residents that is free of government interference.
“We are here to sensitize our royal fathers and community leaders on the State Government’s renewed focus on ward-level development, stressing that “This project is designed to empower communities for them to take ownership of their development priorities.”
According to him, both Ward and Local Government Development Committees which will include representatives from traditional, religious, political, and civil society groups to ensure transparency and inclusiveness, would be established to manage the funds and supervise the execution of such projects.
He however assured the traditional leaders that the steering committee would ensure that no ward is left behind and that the funds would be utilized judiciously to achieve maximum results.
“It is not going to be business as usual. We are committed to ensuring transparency, good governance, community participation, and value for every kobo spent,” he emphasized.
While commending Governor Umar Bago for the giant strides, State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Binta Mamman said the ward development project will no doubt alleviate the suffering of women who are the most vulnerable in the society.
Binta Mamman said “when boreholes, Primary Health Care centres and schools are working and in good shape, productivity and social economic growth will be boosted in the State.”
In Lapai, the Emir, Engineer Tafida Umaru Bago III, Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, Emir of Suleja, Malam Awal Ibrahim, represented by the Madakin Suleja, Engineer Shuibu Gani commended Governor Bago’s foresight in reviving the ward development model.
They noted that true progress begins at the community level and urged leaders at the grassroot level to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of the projects.
With this development Niger State Government is to spend eight hundred and twenty two million naira on monthly basis to ensure the successful implementation of the Ward Development Projects in the twenty five Local Government Areas.
The State Steering Committee comprises Senior Government Officials, party leaders, and representatives of key Ministries. Phallalu Bako Mohammed serves as Chairman, with Dr. Yakubu Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural and Community Development, as Secretary.
Other members of the committee include the State APC Chairman, Aminu Musa Bobi;Engr, Ibrahim Panti Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Binta Mamman; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Mohammed Nma Kolo; and representatives from local government councils.
END ALIYU LAWAL
