Niger Governor Joins Christian Worshippers, Sings ‘I’m Born Again’ at Gospel Concert

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has drawn attention after joining Christian worshippers on stage to sing gospel songs during an annual Christian music concert in Minna.

Bago participated in the eighth edition of SHOUT, a Christian gospel music concert organised by House On The Rock Minna at the Trade Fair Complex on Friday.

A video of the event, which has since circulated widely on social media, showed the governor singing several worship songs, including ‘I’m a New Creation’, ‘May the Spirit of the Lord Come Down’ and the hymn ‘Hold the Fort’.

While singing ‘I’m a New Creation’, the governor joined the congregation in repeating the lyrics declaring that he was born again and that old things had passed away.

Addressing the congregation, Bago described the occasion as a time for celebration and rejoicing, saying it was a day the Lord had made.

The event, convened by Pastor Peterock Sadiq, also featured guest ministers, including Apostle Joshua Selman.

Bago, a practising Muslim, has attended previous editions of the concert as part of his engagement with the Christian community in the state.

According to House On The Rock Minna, the governor has supported the Christian gathering for four years, missing only the seventh edition.

The church described his latest appearance as a continuation of his relationship with the Christian community rather than a political campaign activity.

The governor has consistently advocated religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among residents of Niger State, irrespective of their religious affiliations.

At the 2024 edition of the concert, he urged residents to embrace unity, describing it as essential to peace and development. He also reiterated his administration's commitment to improving the welfare of the people.

Similarly, during the 2023 edition, Bago said he attended to give thanks to God for his victory in the governorship election, while urging Christian and Muslim religious leaders to use their platforms to promote peace rather than division.

He had also previously spoken about his exposure to Christianity through education, recalling that he attended a missionary school but maintained that the experience did not change his Islamic faith.

The governor argued that religious beliefs should not be imposed on individuals and called for mutual respect among people of different faiths.

Bago was elected governor in March 2023 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress and assumed office on May 29, 2023. He previously represented Chanchaga Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

He is popularly known as the Farmer Governor because of his administration's emphasis on agricultural development.