Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has attracted attention after joining Christian worshippers on stage to sing gospel songs at an annual concert in Minna, including one with the refrain, “I’m a new creation, I’m born again.”

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

A video of the event, which has since gone viral, showed the governor singing three songs: “I’m a New Creation”, “May the Spirit of the Lord Come Down” and the hymn “Hold the Fort”.

While singing, he joined the congregation in repeating the lyrics, “I’m a new creation, I’m born again. All things have passed away. I’m born again. That’s who I am.”

Addressing the worshippers, Mr Bago described the occasion as a time for celebration and rejoicing.

“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 concert, convened by Pastor Peterock Sadiq, also featured guest ministers, including Apostle Joshua Selman.

Not his first appearance

The governor’s participation was not his first appearance at the Christian gathering.

House On The Rock Minna said in a Facebook post that Mr Bago had supported the Christian community and attended the SHOUT concert 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.

Mr Bago has repeatedly used previous editions of the event to advocate religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among residents of the state.

At the 2024 edition, he urged residents to embrace unity regardless of their religious affiliations, describing it as essential to peace and development. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving residents’ welfare.

Similarly, 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 urged Christian and Muslim clerics to use their platforms to promote peace rather than division.

Governor speaks on religious tolerance

Mr Bago has previously spoken about his exposure to Christianity through education.

During a public lecture in Abuja in May 2024, he recalled attending a missionary school but maintained that the experience had not changed his Islamic faith.

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

His latest appearance at SHOUT 8 continues a pattern of participation in Christian gatherings and advocacy for religious coexistence in Niger State.

Mr Bago was elected governor in March 2023 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress and assumed office on 29 May 2023.

Before becoming governor, he represented Chanchaga Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. His administration has prioritised agricultural development, road construction and urban renewal.

He is popularly known as the “Farmer Governor” because of his emphasis on agriculture.