Climbing the ladder of success in any venture of life, It’s a gradual process as you must cross every T’s and dot every I’s especially in a venture like politics. For the Executive Governor of Niger State; His Excellency Umar Bago who happens to be the 6th democratically elected Governor of the Power state, has paid his dues and also played politics at the grassroots level before getting to his current status. The banker-turned-politician started with a stellar career in the banking sector having worked at the United Bank for Africa, First City Monument Bank FCMB and Afribank before heeding the calls of his people to delve into politics in 2007.
For him, he had always said his sojourn into the murky waters of politics was humanity is driven and one thing he has come to realize is that he is a fulfilled man serving his people and also bringing succour to their pains and making life better for them. In 2010, He contested and won a seat at the House of Representatives representing Chanchanga Federal constituency in Minna where he was until he was sworn in as Governor of Niger State.
As a member of the Green Chamber; Bago was cosmopolitan, refined, cerebral, and socially savvy and was adjudged a great guy by his colleagues. He was a force in the chambers that speaks with confidence, and authority and knows his onions. As chairman house committee Maritime Safety Education and Administration; the Political science graduate from the Usman Danfodio University Sokoto ensured he discharged his duties diligently this placed him on the map and made many people notice his strides. This paved the way for him when he showed interest to lead the just concluded 9th assembly when he wanted to contest for the Speakership position. A very resilient Bago didn’t give up on his dreams despite pressure from his colleagues to back down and allow an experience and long-term Femi Gbajabiamila to go unopposed. He didn’t bow to pressure rather he gave a good fight but was defeated at the election by Femi coming in second place. Although he collaborated with the speaker and worked closely with him accepting defeat in the spirit of sportsmanship.
When he contested and won the Niger State guber election earlier this year it’s coming as no surprise to many because he has prepared himself for the joy for a long time. As a seasoned administrator and legislator, he has mastered the art of bringing development to his people. As a member of the representative; he had occult followership. His followership base is quite enormous which also played a pivotal role in his victory defeating his closest rival Isah Liman Kantigi of the People’s Democratic Party PDP.
When he was sworn in as Governor; he made his intention known that he is here to work tirelessly to put the shining glory of Niger State back to public consciousness and also cover revenue leaks by creating and generating more revenue to boost infrastructural development. The Governor listed security, agriculture, education, commerce, tourism, health, infrastructural development, and women and youth empowerment as the priorities of his administration. He has hit the ground running seeking partnerships with security chiefs to secure Niger State and also place it as a tourism destination and also an investment destination in terms of Agricultural development due to its large land mass which will aid massive mechanized farming that can further aid exportation of agricultural produce to attract more forex into the economy and give the Naira more strength. Sources say; the action governor will take some harsh decisions that will put the state back on track and has promised to ensure all Nigerlite enjoy the dividend of democracy.
