***Says Governor has changed the face of the state, calls for media partnership
Special Adviser on Communication, Media, and Strategy to Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, Hon. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, has reassured residents that all ongoing projects initiated by the administration will be completed before the end of its tenure.
Vatsa gave the assurance during a visit to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council in Minna on Monday. He emphasized that the Governor remains committed to delivering on his infrastructural and developmental promises across the state.
Highlighting the transformation currently underway, Vatsa noted that more than 556 road projects covering over 1,000 kilometers—including both state and federal roads—are ongoing.
He added that the construction of six overhead bridges and multiple internal roads in the capital city has already begun to change the image of Minna.
“Minna is no longer looking like a glorified local government headquarters—it’s becoming a real state capital,” he said.
The former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism said the Governor’s “New Niger Agenda” goes beyond roads. “From agriculture to education and healthcare, Bago’s vision is reshaping Niger State. But we need the media to help tell that story,” he stated.
Vatsa called for the support of journalists and media professionals to publicize government projects and policies, describing the media as a critical stakeholder in democratic governance.
To deepen transparency and engagement, he revealed that a statewide media tour of completed and ongoing projects will be organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Information—with NUJ fully involved.
Responding, NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Abu Nmodu, emphasized the need for a stronger relationship between government and the media. He urged the administration to invest in state-owned media houses to enable them to function more effectively.
“The media are not just storytellers—they are gatekeepers. Strategic communication and adequate investment in media infrastructure are key to projecting the image of any serious government,” Nmodu noted.
He commended Vatsa’s consistent media-friendly approach and pledged the Union’s support to drive accurate and inclusive public communication in the state.