Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on adherents of the two major religions in the state to embrace tolerance and peaceful co-existence, stressing that it remains the surest path to lasting harmony and development.
Speaking on Sunday at the 114th anniversary thanksgiving and reunion of the First Baptist Church, Minna, the governor—represented by Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mrs. Afiniki Eunice Dauda—assured that his administration would remain fair, just, and inclusive in line with his “New Niger Agenda.”
Bago reiterated his commitment to religious balance, noting that Niger State is secular and no faith should feel sidelined. He said the decision to reinstate the teaching of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) in public schools was to reflect equal opportunities for all.
“There is no limit to the progress we can achieve when tolerance and peaceful co-existence become our guiding principles,” he told the congregation.
Congratulating the Baptist Church, founded in 1911 by railway workers, the governor described it as “a beacon of light and hope,” urging the Christian community to continue supporting his administration while promoting interfaith harmony through love, honesty, and service to humanity.
In his sermon, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel O. Odadeyi, the presiding pastor, lauded the governor for giving Christians “a sense of belonging” in governance and announced the church’s endorsement of Bago for a second term in 2027. He said the governor had shown competence and capacity to deliver a “new lease of life” for Niger State.
The endorsement was further reinforced by the Christian Youths Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Christian Youths in Politics (Niger chapter), who hailed Bago’s cordial relationship with the Christian community.
Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, and the governor’s Coordinator on Christian Affairs, Lawrence Mohammed Isa, also applauded his strides across various sectors, urging Christians to rally behind the administration.
The event climaxed with the presentation of an Outstanding Leadership Award to Governor Bago in recognition of his commitment to Christian welfare in the state.