Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has clarified the rationale behind renaming the Abubakar Imam International Airport to Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport. The decision, made during the airport’s commissioning on Monday, was explained as a strategic alignment to ensure appropriate names for key establishments.
Governor Bago emphasized the need for a harmonious fit between names and institutions, highlighting that renaming the State Polytechnic Zungeru after the late literary icon, Abubakar Imam, was a more fitting tribute. This move, he stated, aligns with the principle of placing a “square peg in a square hole.” Notably, the Governor affirmed that the renaming received the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
In an interview with TVC News at 10, Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, conveyed the Governor’s announcement of the name change. In an effort to address the concerns of Niger citizens, the Governor explained that naming the State Polytechnic after Abubakar Imam recognizes the significant contributions of the renowned Hausa author to the state and northern Nigeria as a whole.
Bago highlighted Abubakar Imam’s literary legacy and pointed out that naming academic institutions after the late author was a fitting tribute. Regarding the renaming of the airport after Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor cited the President’s approval and expressed gratitude for the support received from the Tinubu-led government. Bago praised Tinubu as an astute politician and a key figure in the nation’s development.
Governor Bago emphasized that the decision to rename the airport followed thorough consultations with relevant stakeholders, including members of the State Executive Council, and was undertaken with the President’s endorsement.
