SENATOR SANI BELLO RECEIVES A HERO'S WELCOME AS HE ATTENDS APC STAKEHOLDERS MEETING IN KONTAGORA…INSPECTS CONSTITUENCY PROJECT

Distinguished Senator Abubakar Sani Bello attended the Zone C APC Stakeholders meeting in his hometown, Kontagora. A large crowd of party faithfuls and stalwarts, including the Niger State APC Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Bobi, and the Zone C party Excos, among others, gathered at the Kontagora airstrip to receive him.

Accompanied by the member representing Kontagora/Wushishi/Mariga/Mashegu Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba (Mai Solar), APC Vice Chairman (North Central) Hon. Muazu Bawa Rijau, Senator Ibrahim Musa, and Hon. Ahmed Mohammed (Mamman Ahmadu).

Senator Sani Bello, on arrival, proceeded to the Palace of Sarkin Sudan Kontagora, Alhaji Muhammad Barau Muazu. Senator Sani Bello, while paying homage to the Emir, informed him of the purpose of their visit, which stemmed from the invitation extended to them by the Party Chairman Alhaji Aminu Bobi, who had summoned a stakeholder’s meeting to discuss strategies for advancing the party's progress in Zone C.

The Senator expressed, "Our Party, Our Leader, Our Chairman called on us to deliberate on how to ensure the progress of the party in Zone C and Kontagora Emirate. We embrace this call as representatives in the National Assembly. It's imperative for the party to guide us on priorities. We pledge to do our utmost best, seeking patience and understanding for challenges beyond our immediate capacity."

He further remarked, "Transitioning from a governor to a legislator brings a notable shift for me. As a Governor, I was used to issuing orders for project execution. Now, I find myself in a position where I must seek permission to speak at the legislative chambers, akin to a classroom. However, collectively as representatives of Zone C and Kontagora Emirate, we are dedicated to making concerted efforts for the progress of Zone C and Kontagora Emirate."

Senator Sani Bello gave updates on his legislative endeavors, stating, "I have sponsored three bills to date. The first, for the Establishment of the Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Wushishi, has passed the first reading. We eagerly await the second reading, expected soon. The second bill aims to establish the Federal Medical Centre in Kontagora, addressing the challenges our people face in accessing medical care. This bill has also passed the first reading. Lastly, I've proposed the establishment of the University of Agriculture, Borgu, and I am committed to ensuring the realization of these initiatives and more."

Senator Sani Bello refuted circulating social media rumors that the Federal Government had provided palliatives to Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba (Mai Solar), the Member representing Kontagora/Wushishi/Mariga/Mashegu Federal Constituency, and he refused distribution, explaining that while promises were made by the FG, legislators are yet to access the palliatives, noting that once obtained, he assured constituents would promptly receive them.

Senator Sani Bello expressed sympathy for the hardships faced by the people, emphasizing the need to empower individuals through skills acquisition for self-reliance, rather than relying solely on palliative distribution.

He also highlighted the challenges leaders face, where individuals empowered with tools after skills training often sell those tools at giveaway prices, hindering effective efforts to poverty alleviation, he however conclude that like they are used to, they will continue to support the people to ameliorate their sufferings.

Senator Sani Bello also addressed the issue of insecurity, acknowledging recent improvements but expressed concerns due to extreme poverty in the north, which impedes progress, especially for those unable to farm due to insecurity.

He commended the Sarkin Sudan in his efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the people and providing the needed leadership and guidance.

Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba also gave an insight into the progress made so far on the construction of the Minna-Kontagora road. The member assured the Sarkin Sudan that contractors would be on-site as they have been provided with necessary support to kickstart the project already.

The Sarkin Sudan, while welcoming Senator Sani Bello and the team, urged the legislators to provide assistance to the people of the zone in the form of palliatives, highlighting the economic challenges faced by the people. The Sarkin Sudan further disclosed that he is in possession of over 150 job application CVs of graduates from the Zone seeking employment opportunities and urged the representatives to come to the aid of the people by helping secure job appointments for jobs.

Subsequently, Senator Sani Bello and the delegation proceeded to Safara Hotel for the Zone C APC Stakeholders meeting with Zone C APC leaders.

The Senator concluded his visit with the inspection of the completed construction of educational facilities at Junior Secondary School Kwangwara Kontagora. This initiative, facilitated by him through UBEC, included six classrooms, two laboratories, two workshops, a library, and a computer lab.

Muawiyah Yusuf Muye
Media Adviser to Senator Abubakar Sani Bello