Following its resolve to empower communities for them to take ownership of their development priorities, the Niger state government has announced the disbursement of three million Naira (N3,000,000) each to the 274 wards across the 25 local government areas in the for the implementation of Ward Development projects in the state.
Making this disclosure during a sensitization tour of key traditional institutions across the state, the State Ward Development Project Steering Committee, led by the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Phallalu Bako Mohammed reiterated Governor Umaru Bago’s commitment to reviving the Ward Development Project as a vehicle for delivering tangible development to communities across all 274 wards.
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 BAKO “each of the warde will receive a sum of Three Million Naira (₦3,000,000) to implement locally driven projects identified by community leaders and residents.
“We are here to sensitize our royal fathers and community leaders on the state government’s renewed focus on ward-level development.
“This project is designed to empower communities for them to take ownership of their development priorities.”
He added that 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 projects.
Furthermore, he assured the traditional leaders that the steering committee would ensure that no ward is left behind and that funds would be utilized judiciously.
“It is not going to be business as usual. We are committed to ensuring transparency, community participation, and value for every kobo spent,” he emphasized.
Also, while commending Governor Bago for the giant strides, Commissioner for Information and Strategy , Hon. Binta Mamman said the ward development project will elevate the suffering of women who are the most vulnerable in the society.
Accordingly, she 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, Alhaji Engineer Tafida Umaru Bago III, Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, Emir of Suleja, Mallam 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 local leaders to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of the projects.
Similarly, they called for strict accountability measures to safeguard public resources.
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 include the APC State Chairman, Aminu Musa Bobi; Engr, Ibrahim M. Panti Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Binta Mamman; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Nma Kolo; Alh. Yahuza Abdullahi and representatives from local government councils.
The sensitization tour is expected to continue across other emirates and local government areas in the coming days.
