Governor Bago opened the PGF Information Commissioners Meeting, emphasizing the importance of strategic communication in governance.
By Yahaya Zakka Minna
The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, officially opened the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Quarterly Meeting for Commissioners for Information from states controlled by the APC.
He highlighted the essential role of strategic communication in fostering public trust and facilitating effective policy implementation across the nation.
During the opening ceremony in Minna, which was attended by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Governor Bago praised the Progressive Governors Forum and its Director General, Mr. Folorunso Aluko, for enhancing cooperation and responsiveness among APC-led states.
“The theme of the meeting—Strategic Communication and Policy Alignment—is both timely and crucial. Modern governance goes beyond mere policies and infrastructure; it fundamentally revolves around the effective communication of these initiatives to the public,” Governor Bago remarked.
He urged Commissioners to act as “stewards of our information and architects of trust,” stressing the importance of their roles in this process.
Niger State’s Commissioner for Information, Hajiya Binta Mamman, emphasized that Commissioners serve as frontline communicators and strategists dedicated to advocating for good governance.
They align state narratives with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and shape public perception amidst the evolving challenges and opportunities.
Binta stated, “In Niger State, under Governor Umaru Bago’s leadership, communication is purposefully employed as a tool for development, accountability, and mobilization. We are committed to establishing a New Niger through transparency and public engagement.”
Hajiya Binta also acknowledged that the PGF meeting is crucial for sharing experiences, combating misinformation, and strengthening communication systems throughout APC states.
“Our responsibilities extend beyond mere publicity; they include narrative building, managing public discourse, and synchronizing messages with our shared ideals for national security and development,” she elaborated.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, described the conference as a strategic opportunity to strengthen the APC’s national communication framework.
He stressed the need for Commissioners to be equipped with effective tools to communicate the Tinubu administration’s policies and accomplishments. Malagi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, referencing significant reforms such as the elimination of fuel subsidies, increased infrastructure investments, and various impactful social investment programs.
“To date, over 900,000 Nigerians have benefited from the Presidential Conditional Grant and Loan Scheme, while more than 300,000 students are currently receiving assistance through the new Student Loan Programme,” he noted.
He encouraged Information Commissioners to return to their states with renewed vigor and a strategic plan to engage citizens and help them leverage opportunities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As representatives of the government, you play a crucial role in ensuring that citizens understand and trust the leadership’s direction,” the Minister emphasized.
This two-day meeting in Minna aims to generate actionable frameworks for enhanced inter-state communication, strengthen narrative cohesion among APC states, and reinforce the significance of information management in promoting democratic governance and inclusivity.
