14 Feb 2026, 11:18 AM
FARMER GOVERNOR UMARU BAGO PERFORMS GROUNDBREAKING FOR MOHAMMED UMARU BAGO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE
Niger State governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru ò performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of Mohammed Umaru Bago Agricultural research centre at the Dr. Umaru Sandah Ahmadu College of Education Minna.
The project is sponsored by the Saleh Ahmadu Foundation on behalf of Dr. Umar Sandah Ahmadu family.
Farmer Umaru Bago who appreciated the family for the honour said, the project falls in line with his vision of establishing a research centre in the State.
The farmer governor revealed that the Centre will enable research for agriculture and agric mechanisation and technology as well as make Niger State become a hub for agricultural research and opportunity for students and researchers to learn agriculture and other related courses.
He said the research centre will be driven by technology and innovation to create future agriculture research centres and provide learning and skills centres for the youth.
Farmer Umaru Bago described Dr. Umar Sandah Ahmadu as a father figure whose legacies will continue to live as he gave people the foundation and helped in shaping their lives.
The farmer governor reassured the Dr. Umar Sandah family that his administration will continue to partner with them and ensure that every initiative they bring will be domesticated.
Chairman, Saleh Ahmadu Foundation, Alh. Saleh Ahmadu, Madaki Lokoja in his remarks said, the initiative to establish the N500m State -of-the-art Agricultural Research Centre named after the farmer governor is to promote innovative research in agriculture in support of the farmer governor's vision for sustainable development needs of the State.
Saleh Ahmadu on behalf of the Late Umaru Sandah Ahmadu family appreciated the farmer governor for recognising and honouring their late father by naming the College of Education Minna after him 34 years after his demise adding that the gesture showcases the value the governor places on the legacy of their father and reassured that the foundation will continue to support educational Institutions in the State.
In a concept note delivered by the Vice Chair, Saleh Ahmadu Foundation, Dr. Jummai Zainab Umar Sandah Ahmadu said, the agric research center when completed is expected to align with the agricultural revolution of the farmer governor, expand the legacy of the College as a source for highly skilled workforce and expand job creation and wealth generation opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
Dr. Zainab included that the Research Centre will channel advanced knowledge and technology into the agricultural sector as the Centre will be equipped with a network infrastructure that will provide platform for new frontiers in agric technology, and become an affiliate of larger agricultural research outfits within and outside the country, as part of a global ecosystem.
In rheir seperate goodwill messages, Speaker Niger State House of Assembly Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Muhammad Auna, Commissioner for Agriculture Isah Sidi Rijau and the Deputy Provost, Dr. Umar Sandah Ahmadu College of Education Minna, Dr. Hauwa Kulu Saba described the project as a milestone achievement that will engance the agricultural revolution in the state.
Highlight of the event was the official groundbreaking ceremony performed by the farmer governor for the Research Centre expected to be completed in 18 months.
Information Unit
Umar Sanda Ahmadu College of Education, Minna, Niger State-Nigeria.
13/2/2026.