By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
The Niger State Government has initiated plans to revitalise the moribund State Library Board and transform it into a modern skills, innovation, and ICT hub in line with the New Niger Agenda of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Obed Nuhu Nana, made this known during an inspection visit to the ongoing renovation and intervention works at the Niger State Library Board.
The Commissioner commended the efforts of Africa Initiative for Humanitarian Development, an NGO supported by Cultural Emergency Response Netherlands, for partnering with the state government to restore and preserve valuable intellectual and cultural materials damaged by years of environmental degradation.
During the inspection tour conducted by the organisation’s Operations Manager, Mr. Victor Ukaki, the Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the emergency intervention currently being carried out on the facility and the thousands of endangered books housed within the library.
He explained that the intervention became necessary following severe rainstorm damage which affected sections of the library roof, leaving over 3,000 books and vital archival materials exposed to further deterioration.
According to him, the ongoing project goes beyond physical renovation, describing it as a strategic initiative aimed at repositioning the Library Board into a functional educational and technological hub capable of meeting contemporary demands.
“We are delighted to witness this intervention in Niger State, particularly as it is being driven through collaboration with an NGO. As a Ministry, we are optimistic that upon completion, the Niger State Library will not only function as a reading centre but also evolve into a modern ICT hub,” the Commissioner stated.
He further disclosed that the state government envisions a modern multi-purpose facility where one section would operate as a standard library, while other sections would accommodate ICT centres, digital learning spaces, mini business outlets, and innovation hubs capable of attracting technology-driven enterprises and young entrepreneurs.
Hon. Nana noted that the transformation would reposition the facility into a vibrant economic and knowledge centre comparable to the Obasanjo Complex, thereby creating employment opportunities, generating revenue for the state, and sustaining productive commercial activities within the environment.
He stressed that the vision aligns with the developmental agenda of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, whom he described as committed to promoting education, innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development across Niger State.
Speaking during the inspection, the Operations Manager of Africa Initiative for Humanitarian Development, Mr. Victor Ukaki, disclosed that the intervention was primarily aimed at salvaging endangered books and preserving critical historical and government publications at risk of permanent loss.
He explained that the affected collections include traditional books, government documents, and culturally significant materials, many of which remain undigitised and irreplaceable if destroyed.
According to him, the organisation undertook emergency preservation measures, repaired damaged sections of the building, and safely relocated the books to prevent further deterioration while renovation works continue.
Mr. Ukaki revealed that over 3,000 books have already been salvaged and temporarily relocated for safe-keep pending the completion of renovation works, after which they would be returned and properly shelved according to standard classification procedures.
He assured that the organisation would continue monitoring the project under its sustainability and follow-up framework to ensure the long-term preservation of the restored collections.
Niger State Government by this act has proven it’s commitment to utilising viable partnerships with development organisations and private stakeholders to advance educational infrastructure, digital innovation, and cultural preservation in line with the New Niger Agenda.
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