The Niger State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is organizing a retreat for the Local Government Council Chairmen of the State. The retreat aims to provide a valuable and transformative experience for the council chairmen, explicitly focusing on empowering them as leaders to promote sustainable development. The retreat will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, building capacities, and establishing networks, enabling the council chairpersons to enhance their leadership abilities and make meaningful contributions to the development of Niger State.

The retreat, which began yesterday at the Niger State Liaison Office in Abuja, had the Governor, Mohammed Bago, in attendance, the chief host, Hon. Jantabo Mu’azu, the chairman of the occasion, the indefatigable Prof. Yahya Kuta, along with other professionals like Prof. MT Usman, who spoke about the Niger State Green Economy. Other speakers included Barr. Maurice Magaji, Hon. Commissioner of Lands and Survey, the former Accountant General of the State, Mr. Richard Umaru, Mr. Akibu Jafaru, and others.

The Governor advised the council leaders to stay focused and resolute, urging them to resist distractions. Furthermore, he emphasized that local governments in rural areas should capitalize on their advantageous position by focusing on agriculture and its value chain, highlighting the significant potential for generating income through agricultural-related activities.

One of the advantages of the retreat is that it came at a low cost for the state since it was held in a state-owned building in Abuja, to also keep the participants from distraction, and major speakers were drawn from the state as well. Most of the chairpersons shared their thoughts on the benefits and key takeaways from the first day of the event.