29/04/2025
Big News for Niger State Girls and Special Needs Students!
Yesterday, Monday, April 28th, 2025, was a really special day in Minna! Her Excellency, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, the wife of our Governor (who we fondly call the Farmer Governor!) and a strong advocate for girls in the North-Central, officially launched a fantastic scholarship program for girls across Niger State.
That's not all! She also personally handed out important tools and equipment to students with special needs from all over the state.
This heartwarming event was made possible by the Niger State Ministry of Education, working with the AGILE project (which stands for Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment), the Ilimi Children’s Fund, and the Farid Centre. It was wonderful to see so many people there, including government officials, our respected traditional leaders, partners who support development, proud parents, and of course, the students themselves.
The Emir of Kagara, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmed Gunna II, was also present as the Royal Father of the Day, adding to the significance of the occasion. We also had the Honourable Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr. Hadiza Mohammed, the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Hajiya Binta Mamman, and other key figures who are passionate about education.
The highlight of the day? Her Excellency, Hajiya Fatima Bago, presented a whopping Three Hundred and Forty-Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (₦348,880,000) to the AGILE Project! This huge amount will go directly towards sponsoring the education of 8,722 girls in Niger State through the new scholarship program.
To make it even more personal, Her Excellency also gave scholarship cheques directly to some of the lucky students, giving them a boost on their educational journey.
Hajiya Aminat Jummai Gimba, the Founder of the Farid Centre, gave a powerful speech about the importance of including everyone in education, especially students with special needs. She shared that thanks to the AGILE Project, 80 special needs students received vital assistive devices like wheelchairs, glasses, and hearing aids.
Showing her deep commitment, the Wife of the Governor also symbolically presented these eyeglasses, wheelchairs, and hearing aids to some of the special needs students, making it clear that she believes in equal opportunities for all learners.
Speaking with joy, Hajiya Fatima Bago emphasized that education is what builds the future of our state. She praised the vision of His Excellency, Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, for making the development of our people and ensuring everyone is included a top priority.
"True empowerment means leaving no one behind," she declared, stressing that being inclusive isn't just the right thing to do, it's essential for our state's progress.
The First Lady also highlighted how crucial it is for parents and the community to support these efforts. She thanked their partners, the Ilimi Children’s Fund and the Farid Centre, for their teamwork and lasting impact on education in Niger State.
Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago was supported at the event by the wives of other important government officials and her dedicated team.
Signed,
Hadiza Maikano-Sani
Chief Press Secretary to the Wife of the Farmer Governor of Niger State.
29-04-2025
