Niger State Government Reiterates Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence and Collaboration with Fulanis.
By Yahaya Zakka, Minna.
The Niger State government has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with various organizations, particularly Fulani entities, to foster peaceful coexistence within the state.
This was announced by the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, during the two-year anniversary celebration of Pastoralists Day (Yanlde Fulbe), organized by the Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs. The event took place on Saturday at the UK Bello Art Theater in Minna.
The Deputy Governor Garba emphasized that peace and unity are critical for development, expressing the state’s readiness to work alongside the Fulani community to promote unity and harmonious coexistence. “I am impressed with the unity among the Fulanis. Our strength lies in our unity; without peace, there can be no development or progress in any aspect of life,” he remarked.
Hewelcomed the initiative of the Fulanis to designate August 23 as a day for celebrating the establishment of the Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs.
He urged them to maintain this tradition for future generations to acknowledge the ministry’s creation.
The Deputy Governor noted a significant shift in the Fulanis’ approach to government initiatives, highlighting their increased participation in opportunities provided by the state, including education and employment.
He expressed gratitude to the Fulani community for their support during the recent elections and encouraged them to do the same in the 2027 elections.
Hon. Umar Sanda Rebe, the state Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, also spoke at the event, stressing that the present administration has provided the Fulani with a sense of belonging.
He called for continued support for both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Mohammed Umar Bago in the upcoming elections.
Alhaji Hassan Usman Shiroro, the event’s organizer and coordinator of Bago Ruga Ruga, highlighted the achievements of the initiative, which includes engaging Fulani women in enterprise development and the formation of the Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs.
He urged the Fulani in the state and beyond to embrace government policies and express their support for the current administration in the forthcoming elections.
In an interview following the ceremony, Mr. Ola Oloyede, Executive Director of Niger Foods and Logistics Company, commented on receiving an award from Bago Ruga Ruga.
He emphasized the Niger Foods role in assisting the nomadic population through mechanized pepper farming and other cash crops, reiterating their commitment to elevating Niger’s pastoralists from poverty.
Other dignitaries, including the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Salihu Bawa Bosso, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, praised the Governor for his dedication to equity, inclusion, and sustainable development, acknowledging the essential contributions of nomadic people to the state’s progress.
