By Merciful Omoba
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has unveiled the state’s 30-year development blueprint at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), in New York, where he hosted the inaugural Niger Day to engage global leaders, investors, policymakers, and the Nigerian diaspora.
The event featured two panel sessions on Human Capital Development and Investments and Agricultural Transformation, highlighting Niger’s long-term vision anchored on four pillars: improved livelihoods, a sustainable economy, urban renewal with rural transformation, and good governance.
According to a statement from the Niger Secretariat on Saturday, the plan seeks “to lift millions out of poverty, promote world-class industries, modernise urban and rural areas, and establish accountable institutions, positioning Niger State as a model for subnational transformation in Africa.”
A major highlight was the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), covering agriculture, youth empowerment, and healthcare.
One MoU with Salin 247 Inc. will boost agricultural mechanisation “through AI and smart technology.”
Another, with Junior Achievement Nigeria, will implement the School-to-Work Education Transition for Long-term Youth Fulfilment Programme to empower young people.
The third, with Ethnomet Inc., will deploy 274 Virtual Primary Care Centres; one in every ward, using technology to strengthen healthcare delivery and capacity building.
“These partnerships reaffirm Niger State’s commitment to transforming agriculture, empowering youth, boosting school enrolment, and enhancing primary healthcare, with a focus on people-centred sustainable development,” the statement noted.
Governor Bago, who joined Nigeria’s delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th UNGA, is using the global platform to woo investors and spotlight opportunities in agriculture, trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
He also participated in side events, including the US-Africa Trade and Investment Conference (Tradelink 2025), economic development roundtables, and forums on climate financing, health, and innovation.
