By Stephen Ojo
Minna
The Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, says he was overwhelmed with a gift of key to the Ka’aba presented to him by the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Bologi Ibrahim, described the gift of Key to the Ka’aba as a rare and once in a life time.
He said, ” this gesture will further spur and strengthen our resolve to provide purposeful leadership and good governance to the people”.
The CPS in the statement quoted the Governor saying “Indeed, it is a very exclusive privilege ever granted to any Nigerian since the late renowned Islamic Scholar and leader of the Sokoto Caliphate, Usmanu Danfodio and that is expected to serve as a tonic to even hasten the actualization of the New Niger Development Agenda”.
He explained that the great honour done to Farmer Governor Bago manifests a gesture of respect, appreciation and solidarity in recognition of his consistent efforts in fulfilling the yearnings and aspirations of his people.
He said that the recognition by the Saudi government will seamlessly herald and solidify a new, mutually beneficial relationship between Saudi Kingdom and Niger State.
“The recognition and honour done to the Farmer Governor is a milestone achievement that will, not only fast-track the actualization of the several pacts already signed for the development of the state, but will also bring in several other allies and critical partners of the Saudis for potential business collaborations in various sectors”, he said.
In the Muslim world, the Ka’aba is widely believed to be the first house of worship for mankind
He said, ” the Holy Ka’aba holds a great significance in the hearts of Muslims around the world as they visit the Ka’aba annually to perform the pilgrimage”