***as Philanthropist Decries Nigeria’s Decline

In a remarkable display of philanthropy, over 2,000 patients in Kontagora, Niger State, received free medical care courtesy of the Sani Bello Foundation, as former Kano State Military Administrator, Colonel Sani Bello (Rtd), marked his 82nd birthday.
Rather than hosting a lavish celebration, Bello dedicated the milestone to addressing the healthcare needs of underserved Nigerians.

The five-day outreach, organized in collaboration with Graceland Healthcare Foundation, provided surgeries for ailments such as fibroids, hernias, goitres, and eye diseases. More than 600 surgeries were performed, alongside the free distribution of 1,255 medications and 1,000 eyeglasses.
Speaking at the event, Bello expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating infrastructure, healthcare system, and rising insecurity.
“In the 1970s, I could drive from Lagos to Kontagora in six hours, but today, even reaching Ilorin in that time is impossible,” he lamented.
“We are wealthier in resources but poorer in values. Dishonesty has become rampant, and leadership has failed the people.”
He also highlighted the alarming state of security. “During the civil war, I could travel without fear. Today, the threat of banditry and kidnapping is everywhere. It’s heartbreaking to see how much we’ve regressed.”
Bello urged affluent Nigerians to support the less privileged, emphasizing that giving back brings more joy than grand celebrations.
“Seeing smiles on the faces of those we help is the greatest reward. It’s my way of contributing to the society that shaped me,” he said.

Reflecting on the state of the nation, Bello posed a critical question: “Where did we go wrong? Why are we not making progress? We must wake up and rebuild our nation.”

Impact Beyond Celebration
Marking the 11th anniversary of the Sani Bello Foundation, the outreach underscored the power of philanthropy in addressing Nigeria’s pressing healthcare challenges. As Bello puts it, “Every smile we bring is a step toward restoring hope.”

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has donated N10 million to the victims of recent bandit attacks in the Mariga Local Government Area (LGA). The donation, made on behalf of Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, is aimed at providing support to communities in Bobi, Kasuwan Garba, Wamba Mangoro, and Bangi, which were severely impacted by the attacks.

Sarkindaji visited the affected areas to offer condolences and assess the damage. He sympathized with the families who lost loved ones, particularly the five vigilantes and three farmers killed during an ambush by bandits.
The farmers were attacked while harvesting their crops, and the vigilantes were killed while responding to distress calls. In addition to the N10 million donation, the Speaker presented several motorcycles to local vigilantes to improve their ability to patrol the area and respond swiftly to threats.
During his visit, Sarkindaji condemned the ongoing escalation of banditry in the region. He noted that forests in the Mariga and Kontagora local government areas are still occupied by armed bandits who continue to terrorize communities, destroying property and killing innocent residents. He described the recent attacks as “heartless and wicked” and called for urgent action to address the security situation.

While acknowledging the efforts of local security forces, the Speaker called for additional security deployments to Mariga and Kontagora, particularly as farmers are now in the midst of their harvest season and face heightened risks of further attacks. Sarkindaji stressed that the state government cannot tackle the problem alone and appealed to the federal government for additional support.

Sarkindaji was accompanied by Niger State APC Chairman Hon. Aminu Musa Bobi, Mariga LGA Chairman Hon. Abbas Adamu Kasuwan Garba, and other political leaders from the area. He concluded his visit by assuring the people that the state government remains committed to resolving the security crisis and restoring peace to the region.

The Niger State Governor, Rt. Hon. Umaru Mohammed Bago, has commended the Boys Brigade of Nigeria as a moral training ground for Christian youths, emphasizing its potential to address youth restiveness and insecurity in the country.

Speaking during the annual Concert for 99 Trumpeters and the Investiture of State Patrons of the Boys Brigade of Nigeria, Niger Council, held at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Good News Church in Minna, Governor Bago who was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Afiniki Dauda, highlighted the critical role of moral upbringing.

He stressed that the widespread involvement of youths in drugs, crime, and banditry stems from poor moral foundations and lack of parental guidance.
“Until we instill the fear of God and proper moral training in our youths, the challenges we face as a society will persist,” he noted.

The governor, who served as the Grand Patron of the Boys Brigade, lauded the organization for instilling discipline and Christian values in young people. He urged religious institutions to continue shaping the lives of youths for a better society. “Unemployment is not an excuse for crime or social vices,” he said, calling on the Boys Brigade to uphold moral discipline as “soldiers of Christ.”

The President of the Boys Brigade, Niger State Council, and former Commissioner for Information, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, emphasized the importance of engaging youths in productive ventures.
He announced plans for the organization to venture into agriculture during the next farming season.

“With presence in 17 out of 25 local government areas in the state, farming will not only generate funds for our activities but also provide food for our members,” Vatsa said. He affirmed that moral training combined with economic engagement would help youths steer clear of crime and drug abuse.
Delivering a sermon based on the event’s theme, Resounding Joy, Rev. Dr. Solomon Bitiyong, State Chaplain of the Boys Brigade, reminded attendees of the consequences of abandoning God. He urged the Boys Brigade to serve God with joy and called on the newly inaugurated state patrons to advance the mission of Christ’s kingdom.

The ceremony featured the inauguration of 50 newly appointed state patrons of the Boys Brigade, marking a significant step in the organization’s efforts to strengthen its moral and social impact in Niger State.

The Boys Brigade has remained steadfast in its mission to foster disciplined, God-fearing youth while contributing to societal development.