… Approves N9billion as each ward gets N3million monthlyFROM

NASEER BABA-AL-SIRAJDEEN,MINNA

As part of effort to complement the efforts of government through rural communities and improving their livelihood, the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago has inaugurated the State Ward Development Committee.

In a statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Binta Mamman, the Committee is to ensure basic amenities are provided in rural communities and improve the economic development of Niger state.

Hon. Mamman said for the ten months, the sum of N9billion has been approved for the 274 wards in the 25 local government areas, with each ward getting the sum of N3million making a total of over N820 million per month.

She added that, the reintroduction of the project which will last through the current administration’s tenure will further create employment for people at the rural communities, particularly artisans.

According to her “the committee is to complement the efforts of government through rural communities by providing basic amenities such as infrastructure through the Ministries of Works, Primary Health Care through the Primary Health Care services.

Also, in education through the Ministry of Education and Niger state Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), ensure portable drinking water through the Ministry of Water Resources and RUWATSAN.

It should be recalled that, the ward development project is coming 10 years after the administration of former Governor, Babangida Aliyu.

The Spokesperson in the state said the Governor has directed the steering working committee to inaugurate local government committee as well as ward committee.

Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman, Phalal Bako Mohammed
applauded the Governor for his vision to return the ward development project for inclusivity, adding that the committee shall embark on sensitization and awareness creation.

Members of the committee include; Hon. Phalal Bako Mohammed, Commissioner, Rural and Community Development as Chairman and Hon. Mu’azu Hamidu Jantabo, Commissioner, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as Vice Chairman

State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Alh. Aminu Musa Bobi as Member, Hon. Binta Mamman, Commissioner, Information and Strategy as Member, Engr. Ibrahim M. Panti, Special Adviser, Ward Development Project as Member, Mohammad Nma Kolo, Special Adviser, Political as Member.

Others are Hon. Yahuza Abdullahi, Director General, Wards Relations as Member, Hon. Iliyasu Zakari, Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Niger State as Member while Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Bello, mni, Permanent Secretary, Rural Development to serve as Member/Secretary.