With barely one year to wind up, there has been increasing fear that the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) may not be able to achieve its set objectives in Nigeria. However, the MDGs office in Niger state does not agree with this perception. Instead, it has vigorously shaken off the fear, using its performance records. In this interview, the Director General of Niger state MDGs, Hon. Dattijo Aliyu projects over 98% achievements in Niger before the programme rounds up, and insists that the state government does not play politics with MDGs projects. AIDELOJE OJO reports
Community nonchalant attitude to MDGs projects, worrisome
It has been a blessing for me to assume office as the Director General of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Niger state, although there have been few challenges here and there. However, I can say so far so good, since I came in lots of things have taken place. Others are on and like I said there are challenges. Some of these challenges are in the communities that do not take the projects as their own but see them as government projects. We have done a lot in sensitising the people on the need to own the projects and take up the responsibility of maintaining and protecting such projects. I must say that sometimes the nonchalant attitude of the communities to MDGs projects is worrisome but with continuous sensitisation the communities have began to take custody of the projects in their localities and this is good for both government and the people.
Poverty eradication is key to MDGs
It has been very impressive having to serve the people in the rural communities. As you know one of the objectives of MDGS is to take care of the rural dwellers through the provision of social basic amenities. It is important to point out that health is one of the basic amenities that the Niger state government has given priority attention to. As part of government efforts to bring health care services to the door steps of the poor people living in the rural communities, the MDGs have established over 100 primary health care clinics and hospitals in the state. Most of the hospitals have also been equipped with modern facilities and drugs. This has taken care of the problem of sick people rushing to urban cities for medical attention thereby saving many lives.
The MDGs have also distributed millions of mosquito nets to the people and clinics to control malaria. We have also intervened in the area of education to compliment the efforts of government in promoting universal basic education in the state. We have constructed many class rooms and Head Master Offices. Before now we were drilling hand pump bore holes but now we have gone solar in the provision of portable water to the communities.
The MDGs has also been playing priority attention to the eradication of poverty among the people by ensuring economic empowerment of the women and youths. In this regard we have taken care of hundreds of women cooperative societies or associations that have benefited from our poverty reduction programmes. Many women in the villages now have something doing to empower themselves because the MDGs has provided them with grinding machines and other tools or facilities. Some of these women cooperative societies do get soft loans and financial assistance to improve their businesses.
In Niger we don’t play politics with MDGs projects
When in politics play politics but when you are saddled with the responsibility to serve communities and the people most of who are not politicians, you need to serve well and fairly too, with equity.
One have to think of the people first because these people may be members of various political parties living together in the particular community but this does not stop them from benefiting equally on our projects aimed at uplifting the standard of living of the people in the area. The responsibility of MDGs is to provide succour to the villagers and alleviate poverty among the people and so we do not consider party affiliations in providing projects needed by the people of the communities in Niger state. It is true that there are divergent opinions in the communities but once the people decide on what project a community wants, our responsibility is to provide it without considering what party they belong.
Envisaging higher position for Gov Aliyu in 2015
I envisaged a higher position for the Chief Servant, Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu in 2015. He has paid his dues as the governor of Niger state and it is only expedient for him to go higher to the position of the Vice President or even the President. I pray that God gives him higher position in 2015. I do not have apology for wishing him to become the Vice President or the President in 2015. I only pray that Almighty Allah will grant our prayers.
Meeting MDGs goals
I want to assure you that the MDGs will meet its goals in Niger state by over 98 percent in 2015. Niger state is one of the states ahead of others in the implementation of MDGS goals and we have not been found wanting in the execution of our projects. Like I told you we are doing everything humanly possible to meet all our set goals in 2015. We may not have achieved 100 percent but substantially we should be at 95 percent to 98 percent at the close of our activities in 2015.
