The Woes Of Niger State
OpenLife Nigeria reports that following the latest developments in Niger State in which the State governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, has, on April 15, announced state of emergency in the State, Senator Shehu Sani has further exposed the woes of the 48 years old State.
Nicknamed The Power State, Niger State, reputed to be one of the largest States in Nigeria with abundant natural resources, is hugely challenged by epileptic power supply, insecurity, unemployment and many other menaces.
Writing on his X handle, Senator Shehu Sani who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC from 2015 to 2019 lamented the woes of Niger State.
He wrote: “Niger State gave the most of their land for the establishment of the FCT.
“Sadly,the road from Minna to Abuja remains under reconstruction for 18 years.
“They have 5 hydro power stations that supply electricity to other states, yet the state remains in near complete darkness.
“Buhari came to the state and commissioned a Port in Baro without access road,and told the residents to expect ships, not even a Canoe has arrived yet,” he disclosed.
Created on February 3, 1976, Niger is a state in the North Central region of Nigeria and the largest state in the country by area.
The State, like every other State in Nigeria, has three political zones, zone A, B and C with capital in Minna.
Major cities include Bida, Kontagora and Suleja while Nupe, Gbagyi, Kamuku, Kambari, Gungawa, Hun-Saare, Hausa and Koro form the majority of its numerous indigenous tribes.
It is home to Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, two of Nigeria’s former military rulers.
The state is named after the River Niger and it houses Nigeria’s major hydroelectric power stations like the Kainji Dam, Shiroro Dam as well as the new Zungeru Dam.
The State boasts of the famous Gurara Falls and Kainji National Park, the largest National Park of Nigeria, which contains Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve and the Zugurma Game Reserve.
The state, with density of 52/km2 (130/sq mi) and total area of 76,363 km2 (29,484 sq mi) has of 25 Local Government Areas.
The local government areas are:
Agaie, Agwara,Bida,Borgu,Bosso,Chanchaga,Edati,Gbako,Gurara,Katcha,Kontagora,
Others are Lapai,Lavun,Magama,Mariga,Mashegu,Mokwa,Munya,Paikoro,Rafi,Rijau,Shiroro.
The list includes Suleja,Tafa and Wushishi,