Niger gov nominated for Global Farming Award
The World Leadership Merit Award Committee has nominated the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Bago, for the prestigious World Star Farmer Award, recognising his exceptional contributions to agriculture and rural development in Nigeria.
The announcement coincided with the governor’s 51st birthday on February 22, 2025, and was described as a special birthday honour by the Nomination Committee. A statement jointly signed by the Secretary of the Nomination Committee, Florence Sugut, and the Deputy Director of Special Duties, Faith M. Idriss, noted that the recognition was a testament to Governor Bago’s visionary leadership in positioning agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth in Niger State.
The award is modelled after the American Star Farmers Award, which celebrates outstanding efforts in agricultural development.
The statement emphasised that Governor Bago’s policies have significantly enhanced food security, empowered rural farmers, and transformed Niger State into a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
According to the committee, Governor Bago’s emphasis on modernising agriculture and attracting investment into the sector has set a new benchmark for sustainable development. His commitment to gender inclusivity in farming, particularly through initiatives that encourage female participation in agriculture, also played a role in securing the award.
The World Star Farmer Award will be formally conferred on Governor Bago at the United Nations Women CSW69 Assembly in New York on March 16, 2025. The event will attract prominent figures from across the world, including government officials, policymakers, and experts in various fields.
The First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum, Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has confirmed her attendance as the keynote speaker. Her address will focus on leadership, gender inclusion, and policy implementation in governance.
Additionally, former Lagos State Deputy Governor Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu will receive the Doyen of the Downtrodden Award in recognition of her lifelong advocacy against bad governance, injustice, and human rights abuses.
Also expected at the event is Dr. Kalyani Gopal, a globally recognised psychologist, past president of the Illinois Psychological Association, and an advocate against human trafficking. Dr. Gopal will deliver a special address on the importance of leadership in social justice and human empowerment.
Several influential personalities have been nominated for the World Leadership Merit Award, including Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women; Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila, former Chairman of Surulere Local Government and mother of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, an international legal expert from Ilorin; Rose William Sarwatt, President of the Tanzania Widows Association; among others.
Additionally, posthumous awards will be presented to the late Alhaja Habeebat Mogaji, mother of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the late Dr. Mariam Babangida, former First Lady of Nigeria, for their contributions to social development and women’s rights advocacy.
“The World Leadership Merit Award 2025 is expected to highlight outstanding contributions to governance, agriculture, gender inclusion, and social justice across the globe. Governor Bago’s recognition reinforces his administration’s commitment to transforming Niger State into an agricultural powerhouse in Nigeria,” the statement said.
