Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has attracted attention after joining Christian worshippers on stage to perform gospel songs at the eighth edition of the SHOUT concert in Minna.

Bago, who is a Muslim, participated in the annual Christian gathering organised by House On The Rock Minna at the Trade Fair Complex on Friday, where he sang several songs, including one featuring the refrain, “I’m a new creation, I’m born again.”

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A video of the governor’s performance, which has circulated widely on social media, showed him singing three gospel songs: “I’m a New Creation”, “May the Spirit of the Lord Come Down” and the hymn “Hold the Fort”.

During the performance, Bago joined the congregation in singing 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.

I’m a new creation.

I’m a brand new man.

Addressing worshippers at the event, the governor described the occasion as a moment of joy and 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 concert, convened by Pastor Peterock Sadiq, featured several gospel ministers, including Apostle Joshua Selman.

Bago’s appearance was not his first participation in the annual Christian programme.

House On The Rock Minna disclosed in a Facebook post that the governor had attended the event 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 repeatedly used previous editions of the gathering to encourage religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among residents of Niger State.

At the 2024 edition, he urged Christians and Muslims to live together in unity, stressing that peaceful relationships across religious groups were important for the state’s development.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of residents.

During the 2023 edition, Bago said he attended the concert to give thanks to God for his victory in the governorship election.

He also appealed to religious leaders to use their positions to promote peace instead of encouraging division.

In May 2024, the governor spoke about his exposure to Christianity during a public lecture in Abuja, recalling that he attended a missionary school.

He explained that the experience had not altered his Islamic faith, arguing that religious beliefs should not be imposed on individuals and that people should respect others regardless of their faith.

Bago was elected governor of Niger State in March 2023 under the All Progressives Congress and assumed office on May 29 of the same year.

Before becoming governor, he represented Chanchaga Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

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He is popularly known as the “Farmer Governor” because of his administration’s emphasis on agricultural development, alongside road construction and urban renewal projects.