Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago of Niger State has made a heartfelt appeal to Nigerians to intensify prayers for the safe and swift return of the remaining schoolchildren from St Mary's Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
A Plea for Divine Intervention
The governor issued this solemn request during an end-of-year dinner he hosted for media executives and practising journalists in the state. The event took place at the Government House in Minna on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Governor Bago specifically referenced the pupils who were kidnapped by armed bandits on November 21, 2025, and are still being held in captivity. He extended his plea beyond the Papiri case, urging citizens to also pray for all Nigerians abducted by bandits across various parts of the country.
"We appreciated the unwavering support of the federal government for securing the release of 100 Papiri school children," Governor Bago stated. "It is our fervent prayer that the remaining children will be released in no distant time."
Strengthening Government-Media Relations
The dinner, which brought together officials from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger State Council, the Correspondent Chapel, and other media professionals, served a dual purpose. Governor Bago expressed his gratitude for the media's professionalism and support, describing the relationship between his administration and the press as cordial and productive.
He emphasized that this partnership has been crucial for effective governance and public enlightenment in the state. The governor declared the event as the start of a new chapter aimed at further improving this existing relationship.
In a significant move, Governor Bago used the platform to formally introduce the new Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Obed Nuhu Nana, to the journalists. He directed the commissioner to ensure such interactive events are held periodically.
"So we wish to see a better relationship, most especially with the journalists in Niger State," the governor affirmed.
Unveiling a New Compendium and Media Summit
As part of fostering transparency and providing resources, Governor Bago unveiled the Niger State compendium of two years of service. He encouraged practising journalists to utilize the document as a credible authority and baseline for investigative journalism within the state.
In his remarks, the new Commissioner for Information, Mr. Nana, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and for organizing the dinner. He pledged to continuously strengthen the new chapter of a more cordial relationship between the state government and the media.
The Chairman of the NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu, described the gathering as symbolic, highlighting the governor's deliberate and open approach to partnership. He announced a significant development: Governor Bago has approved a media summit for the state, to be held once technical arrangements are finalized.
"I know this is the beginning of greater things to come in media and government relationships," Comrade Nmodu said. "And insh Allah, it will be the beginning of better days for media practitioners and for all of us in this state to key into the Niger State's development agenda, the new Niger agenda."
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, stated that the dinner was designed as a platform to build and sustain a stronger relationship with journalists working in Niger State.
