The Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris has revealed that he facilitated 30 federal appointments for Niger State indigenes.
Idris made this known in Niger State while responding to a complaint by one of the traditional rulers in his constituency who accused him of not securing any federal appointments for his people since he was appointed as a minister.
The minister, in his defence, said, “Since I was appointed as minister, I facilitated the appointment of Jibrin Baba Ndace as Director General of the Voice of Nigeria. I also facilitated over 30 federal appointments for citizens of the state since I became minister,” he said.
Idris further disclosed that the construction of the Islamiyya School and mosque was aimed at fostering proper teaching of religion to foster peace and unity among communities in the area, noting that while the community expected much from him, plans would only be executed one at a time.
He stated this during the commissioning of the multimillion naira projects, which he executed in his home village, Malagi, in Gbako LGA of Niger State. Other projects included the New Jumaat mosque, electrification and water projects, and inspection of the remodelled primary school in the community.
The minister took advantage of the occasion to sell President Tinubu’s programmes, which many Nigerians have criticised as having imposed undue hardship on the populace
“The policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are designed to take Nigeria on the path of enduring prosperity. All the reform programmes and initiatives of Mr. President have been well thought out, articulated, and well formulated in the interest and for the benefit of all Nigerians irrespective of wherever they come from.
“The progressive train of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not leave anybody behind, and we urge all Nigerians to support Mr. President.
“Of course, we know that times are a bit challenging. Nowhere in the world are reforms easy and cheap. Reforms are very difficult for the people who are formulating it and are difficult for people who are also enduring it. But we know, ultimately, they will take us to the desired land.
“Nigeria will definitely turn the corner, and we are already beginning to see the signs of that. Our economy is going to turn around. So, let Nigerians give Mr. President a chance, and by this time next year, 2025 is a year of consolidation for the gains of all the economic reforms that Mr. President has instituted. By 2025, we will see them all come to manifest,” he assured the gathering.
The Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, who commended the minister for his contribution to the development of the community, donated over N12 million to various groups in the community, including women, youths, vigilantes, district heads and others.
He promised to upgrade the renovated primary school to a model junior secondary school and build a market for the community, stressing the state government’s commitment to upgrading the living conditions of the people in the state.
The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to rural transformation through the construction of rural access roads and the establishment of rural markets to ease the marketing of farm produce.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, tasked elected politicians to contribute to the development of their respective communities.