By Nkechi Eze
Niger State has marked fifty years of existence with a renewed call for unity, purposeful leadership and collective commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous future for its people, as stakeholders reflect on decades of resilience, shared sacrifice and steady progress.
The golden jubilee anniversary, themed “Niger State @ 50: Renewing Hope for a Stronger Future,” was described as more than a celebration of longevity, but a profound moment of introspection and recommitment to the ideals that birthed the state in 1976.
Created alongside Imo, Benue, Ogun, Ondo and Osun States, Niger State has grown into a strategic pillar within Nigeria’s federation. Popularly known as The Power State, it is the largest state in the country by landmass and occupies a central place in Nigeria’s geographical and economic architecture, including contributing a significant portion of the territory that now constitutes the Federal Capital Territory.
The state is endowed with vast expanses of fertile agricultural land and hosts some of the nation’s most critical hydroelectric assets, including the Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro Dams. These facilities continue to play a pivotal role in national development by supporting electricity generation, driving industrial activities, enhancing agricultural productivity and sustaining livelihoods across the country.
In an official signed statement, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said that like many states in Nigeria, Niger State has sustained democratic governance through changing political eras, a testament to the strength of its institutions and the resolve of its people.
He noted that the 50th anniversary should not merely serve as a platform for celebrating past accomplishments, but as an opportunity to chart a clearer and more deliberate pathway toward inclusive growth and sustainable transformation.
According to the Minister, the political redefinition of the state into Niger East, Niger North and Niger South underscores the importance of unity, responsible leadership, cultural integration and coherent policy direction as the foundation for accelerated development.
He stressed that strategic alignment of capital, resources and value chains is essential to unlocking Niger State’s vast economic potential and positioning it as a major hub for agriculture, energy, trade and industrial expansion.
The Minister further highlighted that the journey toward a truly united and prosperous Niger State remains ongoing, but is being reinforced by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritises economic revitalisation, infrastructure renewal and institutional reform across the federation.
He said Niger State continues to benefit from this national vision, particularly in areas that promote growth, strengthen governance structures and improve the quality of life of citizens.
While celebrating progress, the Minister emphasised the need to confront present-day realities with honesty, strengthen public institutions and recommit to governance that delivers tangible value to the people.
He also paid tribute to the founding fathers of Niger State and the patriots who laid the foundations of constitutional democracy and stability five decades ago, describing their sacrifices as the bedrock upon which today’s achievements rest.
At fifty, he said, Niger State stands at a defining crossroads, where the choices made today will shape the destiny of future generations.
By embracing a shared narrative of hope, responsibility and unity, he added, Nigerlites can collectively build a future worthy of the state’s enormous promise, ensuring that when the centenary is eventually celebrated, it will be as a state that truly fulfilled its mandate to its people.
The Minister called on citizens to rally behind the Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Umaru Mohammed Bago, in his efforts to drive growth and development, stressing that sustainable progress can only be achieved through broad-based support, cooperation and a shared sense of ownership of the state’s destiny.
As Niger State celebrates its golden jubilee, the message resonates clearly: the past fifty years tell a story of endurance and gradual advancement, but the next fifty years must be defined by bold reforms, inclusive prosperity and an unwavering commitment to building a stronger future for all.
