The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has urged lawmakers in the country to promote national development as well as advance the course of economic diversification.
Saraki made the call at the “First Barade Empowerment of Niger-North Senatorial District Constituents for Poverty Alleviation, Employment and Reporting Progress”, on Sunday in Borgu, Niger.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was sponsored by the senator representing the district, Sen. Abdullahi Sabi (APC-Niger).
Saraki, who was represented by Sen. Rafiu Adebayo (APC-Kwara) said, “Today in the history of Nigeria, we are seeing a more focused National Assembly that is spending 70 per cent of its legislative time to reform the business environment”.
Saraki urged his colleagues to put in more efforts toward promoting economic diversification and development of the country.
He said that the National Assembly was promoting government patronage of Made -in- Nigeria goods through the amendment of the Public Procurement Act.
“We are also moving against revenue leakages that are affecting government’s ability to deliver on its promises.
“We are doing all of these through a well fashioned out legislative agenda that has at the centre empowerment opportunities and better life for our people.
“Senator Sabi is one of the leading lights that is making this to become a reality,” Saraki noted.
“I identify with Sen. Sabi because he is one of those senators that has worked for the progress of the Senate and has supported me in defending the interest of the common Nigerian.
“Indeed, I am very happy. Niger North and Niger State as a whole, is home in many ways than one for me.
“ Niger has shared good neighborliness with my people in Kwara State and historically we have almost always made good leadership choices.”
He described Sabi, as a leader who had shown commitment to “all our post election promises.
“Sen. Sabi has been at the forefront of this movement and has utilized all his might and power to pursue legislative interventions that are empowerment driven.
The President of the Senate, however, promised that government would give urgent attention to some uncompleted road projects in the district to boost socio-economic lives of the people.
In his remark, Sen. Sabi who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said that the three arms of government were constitutionally charged to focus governance on the welfare and security of the citizens.
He said that the gesture was aimed at providing dividends of democracy to the electorate within his senatorial district.
Sabi said that Niger-North was the largest senatorial district in terms of land mass but was confronted with developmental challenges including youth unemployment and very poor road network.
He, however, called for more supports from governments and development partners.
Also speaking, the Niger state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, represented by the Commissioner for ,Planning, Mohammed Nda, described Sabi as “a man of the people”.
He said that as the empowerment programme was the first phase, it should spur him to do more in terms of women and youth empowerment.
The event drew APC party members including the zonal chairman, North Central, Alhaji Zakari Idde, APC Chairman, Borgu Local Government Area, Alhaji Muhammed Ladan and party supporters.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Alkali Dominic, appreciated the gesture noting that the sport facilities would help in the development of football in the district.
NAN reports that items donated include: tricycles, motorcycles, wheelchairs, grinding machines, generators and sport equipment. (NAN)