A Governor Among Worshippers
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has attracted widespread attention after he joined worshippers on stage to sing Christian gospel songs at an annual concert in Minna, including a chorus with the refrain, “I’m a new creation, I’m born again.”
Bago, who is a Muslim, took part 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 from the event has since gone viral on social media.
Three Songs and a Message of Celebration
In the footage, the governor is seen singing three songs: “I’m a New Creation,” “May the Spirit of the Lord Come Down” and the hymn “Hold the Fort.” At one point, he sang the words, “I’m a new creation, I’m born again. All things have passed away. I’m born again. That’s who I am. I’m a new creation. I’m a brand new man.”
While on stage, Bago told the congregation that the occasion was a time for celebration. “You know the season is a season we must rejoice. It’s a season we should be happy because this is the day my Lord has made for me today,” he said.
The event, convened by Pastor Peterock Sadiq, featured guest ministers, including Apostle Joshua Selman.
A Long-Standing Relationship With the Christian Community
The governor’s appearance was not his first at the Christian gathering. In a Facebook post, House On The Rock Minna said Bago had supported the Christian community and attended SHOUT for four years, missing only the seventh edition.
The church described his presence at the latest edition as a continuation of his relationship with the Christian community rather than a political campaign appearance.
A Consistent Call for Religious Tolerance
Bago has previously spoken about religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Niger State, and he has used past editions of the concert to advocate the same message. At the 2024 edition, he urged residents to live in unity regardless of their religious backgrounds, describing unity as essential to peace and development. He also restated his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of residents.
At the 2023 edition, the governor said he attended the gathering to give thanks to God for his victory in the governorship election. He also called on Christian and Muslim clerics to use their platforms to promote peace rather than division.
The governor has also spoken about his own exposure to Christianity through education. At a public lecture in Abuja in May 2024, he recalled attending a missionary school and said the experience had not changed his Islamic faith. He argued that religion should not be forced on anyone and called for respect for people regardless of their religious beliefs.
His latest appearance at SHOUT 8 continued a pattern of participation in Christian gatherings, with the governor joining worshippers in singing gospel songs while reiterating his message of religious coexistence.
Background on the Governor
Bago was elected governor in March 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress and assumed office on May 29, 2023. A former member of the House of Representatives representing Chanchaga Federal Constituency, he has made agricultural development, road construction and urban renewal major priorities of his administration. He is popularly known as the “Farmer Governor” because of his emphasis on agriculture.
