From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment capable of attracting investments and accelerating economic growth, following the commissioning of Zenith Bank Plc’s third branch in Minna, the state capital.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, at the inauguration ceremony, Governor Bago described the new branch as a clear demonstration of investors’ confidence in Niger State’s economic prospects and the ongoing reforms under his administration’s New Niger Agenda.

According to the governor, the expansion of Zenith Bank’s presence in the state goes beyond increasing banking services, noting that it reflects Niger State’s growing appeal as a destination for investment, commerce, and enterprise.

He said the state government remains committed to sustained investments in critical sectors, including infrastructure, security, agriculture, urban renewal, digital transformation, and ease of doing business, all designed to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish.

“A vibrant financial sector is indispensable to achieving sustainable economic growth, expanding financial inclusion, and creating employment opportunities across the state,” the governor stated.

Bago commended Zenith Bank for its track record in innovation, sound corporate governance, and service excellence, as well as its significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy through support for businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals.

He urged the financial institution to deepen its collaboration with the Niger State Government by promoting financial inclusion, strengthening support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), empowering women and youths, and deploying innovative financial solutions that would drive inclusive socio-economic development.

The governor also encouraged residents and the business community to take advantage of the expanded banking services by growing their businesses, embracing digital financial solutions, and participating more actively in the formal economy.

He assured investors and financial institutions of the state’s readiness to build strategic partnerships capable of unlocking Niger State’s vast economic potential while improving the livelihoods of its citizens.

The Zonal Head of Zenith Bank, Alhaji Abdulsalam Hassan, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to delivering innovative, technology-driven and customer-focused banking services, expressing confidence that the new branch would enhance financial services for individuals, businesses, and the wider economy of the state.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including the State Accountant-General, Alhaji Saidu Abdullahi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Ibrahim D. Abubakar; Permanent Secretary, Economic Affairs, Hauwa Dickson; and Permanent Secretary, Political Affairs, James T. Bake, alongside business leaders and stakeholders from the financial sector.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Monday in Ibadan received the 44 kidnap victims from Oriire Local Government Area of the state who were rescued by security operatives last Friday.

The rescued victims, made up of pupils, students, and their teachers were handed over to the governor by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Div, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Maj.

Speaking during the handover, Makinde expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of Nigeria’s security agencies for their swift response.

“Incidents like this have happened across the country, but when it came to Oyo State, the whole world rose to the occasion.

“In over seven years as governor, this is the first time I’m witnessing something like this in Oyo State. I pray this is the last time,” he said.

The governor described the 56 days the victims spent in captivity as traumatic, noting that the road to recovery would be long.

“What they went through in 56 days cannot be undone in 56 months,” he added.

Makinde assured the teachers and students that the state government would ensure their careers and education were not disrupted.

“We will keep supporting you, especially during this period,” he pledged.

On their health, the governor said the victims would remain under the care of the state government for 24 to 48 hours for medical evaluation, saying that their parents would be allowed access afterward.

“After this, we want to be sure you are medically okay and also ensure a safe reunion with your families.

“So, on behalf of the state, we now officially take responsibility for the teachers and students.

“The state government will provide all the necessary support,” the governor declared.

Nnebuife said the operation that led to the rescue of the 44 abductees was a month-long search.

According to the GOC, initial efforts on the day of the abduction yielded no results.

“The following day, a search team comprising troops, hunters, local vigilantes and Amotekun was deployed into the thick forest.

“Because of the nature of the forest, how thick it is, we had drone teams, we have the Nigerian Air Force following up.

“But in some of those areas, if you are under that place, you can’t see rays of sunlight.

“Both air and drone surveillance failed to locate the victims, forcing the military to insist on ground operation,” he said.

The GOC explained that it was during one of those operations that the military recorded casualties.

Nnebuife further said he later took over the operation from the garrison commander and coordinated forces drawn from across the country.

According to him, agencies involved included: National Counter Terrorism Unit, under the Office of the National Security Advisor and Defence Headquarters Special Forces Team, comprising Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, Civil Defence and NIA.

He added that Nigerian Police, DSS and Nigerian Air Force formations in Oyo State; Air Force tactical operations group from Kainji with fighter aircraft;

Operation Savannah Shield troops from Kwara for blocking operations, and

Local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun, were part of the operations.

He disclosed that the teams also had to look for other members of the gang and even members of their families outside of Oyo to Adamawa, Kano and different parts of the country.

According to him, this was also what put further pressure on them,” the GOC stated.

Speaking on behalf of the abductees, Rachael Alamu, appreciated President Bola Tinubu, Gov. Makinde and the security agencies for safe return, describing the 56 days in the bush as “harrowed experience”.

Alamu disclosed that two of them were killed while in captivity.

According to her, one Mr Matthew was killed on the second day they were abducted while Michael Oyedokun was killed on the first Sunday of June.

She said the two victims were killed so as to  force the government to yield to their demands.

She said it was until they were rescued that they discovered that the whole world was interested in their case.

“We thought we were a write-off.

“So on behalf of everyone, we are saying thank you from the depth of our hearts.

“We appreciate all you have done, the efforts you have put in so that we all came out alive,” she said.

Lawal Targets 2,000 Jobs, Unveils $200m Lithium Processing Plant in Zamfara

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has unveiled a $200 million lithium mining and processing plant in Boko, Zurmi Local Government Area of the state.

He described the plant as a drive toward economic rebirth for Zamfara.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Gusau by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris.

Idris quoted his principal describing the project as the beginning of a new era in the state’s drive toward responsible mining, industrial development and economic diversification.

The governor said the project marks a significant milestone in the collective effort to harness Zamfara’s abundant mineral resources through responsible investment, value addition, job creation and sustainable development.

Lawal noted that his administration was committed to transforming the solid minerals sector from informal and unregulated activities into an organised, transparent and value-driven industry that directly benefits the people.

He said global demand for lithium and other critical minerals had increased due to their importance in renewable energy, electric vehicles, modern technology and industrial transformation.

According to him, Zamfara must no longer remain “merely a supplier of raw mineral resources” but must become an active participant across the entire mining value chain through local processing, value addition, skills development and industrialisation.

The governor commended Zam Mining Company Ltd, Bima Mines Ltd, Jinlide Mining Co. Ltd, Bevo Mines Ltd, Generalized Mining Company Ltd and other development partners for investing in the state.

He said their confidence had shown that Zamfara remained open to legitimate businesses and responsible partnerships.

Lawal assured investors that the state government would continue to provide support through improved collaboration, infrastructure development and policies that encourage sustainable investment.

He stressed that local communities must be treated as partners in development through employment opportunities, skills acquisition, community projects, environmental protection and meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

“Development comes when resources are managed efficiently and transparently, and the government provides an enabling environment for investors to operate responsibly,” he said.

The $200 million Zamfara Lithium Mining and Processing Plant is a joint investment by Zam Mining Company Ltd, Bima Mines Ltd, Jinlide Mining Co. Ltd, and other partners.

Lawal further said: “For many years, our state had been known within and outside this country as a haven of vast mineral deposits.

“The measure of this blessing is how it is responsibly harnessed to improve the lives of our people.

“From the inception of this administration, we made a firm commitment to change the narrative of the solid minerals sector in Zamfara from informality to organisation, from exploitation to value creation, and from lost opportunities to shared prosperity.”

According to him, the establishment of this processing plant aligns with his vision to move beyond extraction toward local processing, value addition, skills development and industrial growth.

“I hereby state unequivocally that our administration is committed to mining activities that respect the law, protect our environment, and provide direct benefits to our communities,” Lawal assured.

The governor mandated operators to prioritise local employment, skills transfer, community development, environmental protection and corporate social responsibility.

He commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector as a key driver of economic diversification and national development.

NAN reports that Zam Mining Ltd is one of the largest technologically advanced mineral processing facilities on the African continent.

The company commended Gov. Lawal’s administration for creating an enabling environment that had restored investors’ confidence and attracted major investments to Zamfara.

It said the project was expected to create no fewer than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, with priority given to qualified residents of Zamfara, especially the host communities.

Residents of Boko community expressed delight at the investment, saying it would help address unemployment and poverty not only in the area but also across the state.