“Nigeria is better off as a strong and united nation of diverse people. We need each other and shall be happy together,” Bello told newsmen on Sunday in Minna, after observing the Rakat prayers to mark this year’s Eid-el Fitr celebration.

He advised Nigerians supporting secession to redirect such energies toward building a country of their dreams as Nigeria was big enough to accommodate everyone and every interest.

The governor also advised Nigerians to focus on issues that were of common interest, and cautioned against rumour mongering and other vices that could breed mutual distrust and suspicion.

Bello expressed optimism that the country would soon overcome its economic challenges, saying that his optimism was supported by current economic indicators confirming that the economy was regaining lost grounds.

The governor promised to deploy available resources toward improving the welfare of the people, and urged Niger residents to support government policies to ensure they had the needed impact.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bello and his predecessor, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, later paid a Sallah homage to former military president Ibrahim Babangida, at his hill top residence.