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Speech Of Nasarawa Governor On Nigeria @61 and Nasarawa @25

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GOVERNMENT OF NASARAWA STATE

ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ENGR. ABDULLAHI A. SULE, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF NASARAWA STATE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE 61ST ANNIVERSARY OF NIGERIA’S INDEPENDENCE AND THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF NASARAWA STATE, LAFIA: FRIDAY, 1ST OCTOBER, 2021

 

 

  1. His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State;

 

  1. The Right Hon. Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly;

 

  1. The Hon. Chief Judge of Nasarawa State;

 

  1. Distinguished Senators and Members of the National Assembly here present;

 

  1. The Hon. Minister of State for Science and Technology;

 

  1. Principal Officers and Members of the State House of Assembly;

 

  1. Your Excellencies, former Governors;

 

  1. Your Excellencies, former Deputy Governors;

 

  1. Your Excellencies, former Ministers and Ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

 

  1. The Hon. Attorney-General/Commissioner of Justice and Members of the State Security Council;

 

  1. The Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State;

 

  1. The Head of the Civil Service;

 

  1. Special Advisers;

 

  1. The Acting State Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasarawa State;

 

  1. Chief Executives and other Members of Federal Establishments;

 

  1. Permanent Secretaries, Federal and State present;

 

  1. His Royal Highness, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I JSC (Rtd), Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs;

 

  1. Chairmen and Chief Executives of Commissions, Boards and Parastatals, Federal and State present;

 

  1. The Directors of Personnel Management of Local Government Councils and Development Areas present;

 

  1. Your Royal Highnesses, Emirs and Chiefs;

 

  1. Friends of Nasarawa State;

 

  1. Other Distinguished Stakeholders;

 

  1. Chairmen of other political parties here present;

 

  1. Gentlemen of the Press;

 

  1. Ladies and Gentlemen.

 

 

Today is a celebration of the history of our existence as a people with a common destiny.

 

 

  1. It is, therefore, with heart full of gratitude to Almighty Allah that I address you on this special occasion of the 61st Anniversary of Nigeria’s independence and the Silver Jubilee of the Creation of Nasarawa State. Indeed, I feel honoured that this unique celebration is coming at a time when it pleased Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala to be at the helm of affairs of Nasarawa State.

 

  1. I acknowledge the presence of the crém-de-la-crém of Nasarawa State. I also appreciate the galaxy of other distinguished personalities who are here to celebrate this memorable occasion with us. Your presence at this event is a further demonstration of your abiding faith in our commitment towards the realization of our collective development agenda as envisioned by our founding fathers.

 

  1. I salute your sacrifice, enthusiasm, perseverance and continued support over the years. I urge you to sustain the tempo of this collaboration for the benefit of the good people of Nasarawa State.

 

  1. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me on behalf of the Government and people of Nasarawa State congratulate all Nigerians on this occasion of the 61st anniversary of our nationhood. Once again, today reminds us of the struggle of our nationalists who fought in resilience and obtained our freedom from the colonialists which we are today enjoying.

 

  1. As you are aware, before the advent of the APC Administration in the country, some parts of our Federation were engulfed by security challenges ranging from the Boko Haram insurgency, the Niger Delta militancy, conflict between farmers and herders, as well as corruptive tendencies which permeated the fabrics of the society among others. However, since the assumption of office of our amiable President Muhammadu Buhari, under the platform of our great party the APC, Nigeria has rediscovered its bearing.

 

  1. I must state that the country has regained its image among comity of nations. We are witnesses to the recent success recorded by our security forces in the frontlines in degrading the Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and activities of kidnapers. The fight against corruption and other economic crimes is also yielding positive results. The country is witnessing massive infrastructural development and the economy is gradually being stabilized. We commend President Buhari for his leadership and steadfastness.

 

  1. Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, let me refresh our minds to the fact that the agitation for the creation of Nasarawa State out of Plateau State started in 1980 during the Second Republic. I recall with nostalgia the movements for the creation of the Middle Belt and that of Nasarawa State, virtually with the same geo-political composition were jointly pursued. The two agitations continued up to the ouster of the 2nd Republic. In 1996, the Government of General Sani Abacha considered the Report of the Constitutional Conference and constituted a Committee on States/Local Government creation and Boundary Adjustment. On 1st October, 1996, the Abacha Administration created five additional States, including Nasarawa State.

 

  1. With special gratitude to God Almighty, we are today gathered with heart full of joy to mark the Silver Jubilee of the creation of our dear State. Let me, therefore, congratulate you all on this special day. In this regard, I must pay special tribute to our forebears, who played significant roles in the struggle for the actualization of Nasarawa State.  Some of these leaders have transited to the world beyond.  While urging us to continue to remember them in our prayers, let us observe a minute silence in honour of our great heroes. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace, Amen !!!

 

  1. We must, however, endeavour to cherish the contributions of these founding fathers and remember the sacrifices they have made for our sake and for the generations yet unborn. Similarly, we are also grateful to God, the Almighty for sparing our lives and making us active players in the affairs of our people.

 

  1. Your Excellencies, Your Royal Highnesses, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this memorable event calls for a sober reflection of our journey so far and a projection into the future prosperity of the State. It is imperative to note that the desire for self-determination, economic development and social cohesion were the impetus that propelled our founding fathers to struggle for the creation of the State.

 

  1. In translating the lofty ideals of our founding fathers, it is imperative on me and, indeed, all of us to appreciate some of the contributions of my predecessors, particularly the effort of the first Military Administrator, Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim of blessed memory for setting the pace for the development of the State by constructing institutional structures such as the Government House, first House of Assembly Complex, the Nasara Housing Estate, the first State Secretariat at Akunza, the conversion of Lafia Local Government Secretariat to Military Administrator’s Office and renovation of Shagari Low-cost Housing Estate for our civil servants. Let me also acknowledge the contributions of Colonel Bala Mohammed Mande (Rtd) for the construction of the Deputy Governor’s Office now Office of the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, the conversion and upgrading of Lafia General Hospital to Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Lafia and construction of High Court Headquarters complex. We must also specially appreciate the first democratically elected Governor, His Excellency, Senator Abdullahi Adamu (Turakin Keffi) elected on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999, who despite apprehension, established the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, the Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lafia and School of Health Technology, Keffi. He also completed and furnished the Government House complex, constructed the Presidential Lodge and the 10 Units VIP Guest Houses now Nasarawa Luxury Hotel.  The Administration of Abdullahi Adamu also made a bold attempt to construct the Hydro-electric Power generating project at the Farin Ruwa Water Fall but owing to technical and financial constraints, the project could not be fully executed.

 

  1. Similarly, His Excellency, Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON (Madauchin Doma) of blessed memory did his best to improve the socio-economic development of the State. In this regard, he initiated and upgraded the new Nasarawa State House of Assembly complex; constructed 3Nos. High Courts buildings and constructed several rural roads in parts of the State, as well as the 500 Unit Housing Estate for workers. His Administration constructed the Banquet Hall, which we completed and named Alh. Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall.

 

  1. His Excellency, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura (Sardaunan Gwandara) whose Administrative doggedness earned him the name “the architect of modern Nasarawa State”. The name was given as a reflection of the giant strides of the Al-makura Administration particularly in giving the State a facelift through the transformation of infrastructural development, such as construction of ashphalt urban and rural roads, construction of Lafia Cargo Airport, construction of the Lafia Square, construction of the Lafia Comprehensive Special School, one of the best in West Africa, construction of Ta’al Model schools across the State, expansion of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, and establishment of a vibrant Youth Empowerment Scheme tagged NAYES, among other developmental endeavours.

 

  1. Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, I was sworn-in into office as the 4th democratically elected Governor of Nasarawa State on 29th May, 2019. You would recall that during my inaugural address, I made a solemn commitment to build on the legacies of my predecessors and also begin a new task of transforming Nasarawa State guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, probity, due process and prudent management of resources in the implementation of the policies and progammes which this Administration sets to achieve.

 

  1. We began this developmental journey with a lots of success story until the global outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, which has global adverse effects on the lives of the people and the socio-economic development. This is in addition to other associated challenges on our democratic journey to statehood. In spite of these challenges, Government remained focused and resilient on meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Nasarawa State.

 

  1. Your Excellencies, Your Royal Highnesses, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is for this reason that we have committed enormous resources to the continuous upgrading of physical infrastructures, particularly, our road network, upgrading of our health sector, upliftment of our educational standard, improvement of the agriculture sector, attraction of investment, youth empowerment, development of markets, as well as other social services in all the facets of the State economy.

 

  1. Today’s event offers us yet another opportunity to keep you abreast of the milestone which this Administration has recorded thus far. We owe you a duty to do so, as Government that is responsible and responsive to the people. I need to reiterate the reality that Nasarawa State is among the least in the revenue allocation chart in the country. This state of affairs, as you know has a toll on our lean resources. However, in spite of this reality, we are able to make significant impact as follows:

 

SECURITY

 

  1. Your Excellencies, Your Royal Highnesses, ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, security is the bedrock for harmonious co-existence and socio-economic development of the society. I must say that no development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony. Therefore, like I said during my inaugural address, our development partners can only key into the State’s development agenda in an atmosphere of peace and order.  This is why we have given priority attention to the protection of lives and property of our people. Although, on our assumption of office, we did not inherit any serious security challenge, however, there were flashes of threats to security. In spite of this, Government remained committed in the provision of security for socio-economic activities to thrive.

 

It is important to State that through our support and collaboration, the security agencies were able to checkmate and chased out the deadly Darul-salam sects from Toto Local Government Area.  Similarly, security challenges bordering on farmers and herders crisis, kidnapping and other sundry crimes have been reduced to the barest. Through sustained collaboration and synergy with the Government of various States, we have been able to reduce border conflicts and skirmishes in our border communities.  Similarly, we facilitated the establishment of Military Super Camps at Kenyehu and Udege in Toto and Nasarawa Local Government Areas, as well as the 4 Special Forces in Doma.  Let me appreciate one of our own, the former Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Abubakar Adamu who facilitated the establishment of the Police Training College in Ende-hills, Nassarawa-Eggon and the siting of other Police Squadrons in the State. I also commend his worthy initiative for the establishment of the Community Policing which is a veritable tool to control crimes and criminality in the society.  I am happy to inform you that we have since domesticated the initiative which is complementing the effort of the conventional security agencies in the State.  We also enacted a Law which largely contributed to the establishment of the Nasarawa State Volunteer Guard otherwise tagged the Vigilante.

 

In furtherance of our commitment to entrench enduring peace for harmonious co-existence of our people in the State, I led a delegation from Nasarawa State and visited President Muhammadu Buhari that resulted to the stationing of an Air Force Special Forces Base in Nasarawa State.  The Air Force Special Forces is expected to utilize the Lafia Airport for its operation which will cover the entire North-central zone.

 

 

RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE ORGANS OF GOVERNMENT

  1. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me state that the developmental strides witnessed in our journey so far was as a result of the cordial working relationship among the three arms of Government in the State. It is against this background that, I need to specially express my profound appreciation to the Right Honourable Speaker, Principal Officers and Members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly for their continued support, mutual understanding and worthy partnership.  In the same vein, let me also thank the Chief Judge and the hierarchy of the judiciary for their patriotism in the discharge of their constitutional responsibility which has contributed immensely to the prevailing stability in the State.

Considering the imperative of the synergy between the three arms of Government in our desire to provide purposeful leadership and good governance to the people, it has become necessary for the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary to demonstrate mutual cooperation and understanding at all times.   It is for this reason that this Administration has sustained the relationship among the three arms and will continue to do so for the benefit of our people. Let me use the opportunity of this celebration to re-echo our support to the Legislative and Judicial Autonomy. I wish to assure all and sundry that as soon as the Bill is forwarded, I will assent to it for immediate implementation in the State. It is my hope and expectation that this development will further strengthen the Legislature and the Judiciary in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

 

ATTRACTION OF INVESTMENT INTO THE STATE

  1. Realizing the primacy of investment to industrial development, we constituted the Investment and Economic Advisory Council, under the leadership of Prof. Konyi Ajayi. This resulted in the development of the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS), which encapsulates the economic blueprint of this Administration in driving the State economy to prosperity.  This initiative has so far attracted investments from Dangote Group, Azman Rice Ltd., Flour Mills of Nig. Plc., as well as the utilization of our various assets, including markets development, Fertilizer Blending Plants for local fertilizer production, among others.

Similarly, we have recently signed a joint venture Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Nasarawa Technology Village in Aso-Pada, Karu Local Government Area of the State. This initiative is capable of driving multi-sectoral development, including the development of 1500 Housing Units in the area.

PUBLIC SERVICE RESTRUCTURING

  1. In order to reinvigorate and reposition the State Public Service for effective and efficient service delivery in line with the policy thrust of this Administration, we have streamlined the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government with a view to cut the cost of governance and reduce duplication of functions. This is geared towards re-focusing and revitalizing the sector by placing it on the path of progress and development.          In this regard, Government has remained resolute by committing enormous resources in the training and retraining of public servants. We have also ensured that the welfare of Civil Servants is given the desired boost in order to ensure that our personnel feel well-motivated for enhanced performance.  This is why even with the constraint of funds, Government implemented the backlog of promotion of Civil Servants service wide. This gesture is being extended to the Local Government Councils to enable its employees to benefit.  I have since directed the Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs to compile list of eligible Local Government Staff for immediate implementation of their promotions. We will continue to accord the welfare of our workforce the needed priority attention towards the realization of our development objectives.

 

PAYMENT OF PENSION

  1. In our determination to improve the living standard of our people, we restored the 100% payment of monthly pension to the State retirees, as soon as we were sworn in. This course of action has transformed the living condition of our retirees in the State.  We have also addressed the percentage payment of pension and salaries of Local Government Employees.  As at today, we have stabilized the payment of salaries of workers and pension of Local Government retirees at 100%. We have also commenced the payment of the backlog of arrears of pension and salaries of Local Government employees leaving a balance of only two months. God willing, the outstanding two months arrears will be settled in no distant time.

 

PROVISION OF URBAN AND RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

 

Urban Infrastructure

 

  1. In our determination to open vistas of economic opportunities through the provision of basic infrastructure in the State, we have completed the construction of the Shinge-Ricemill-Kilema road. We have also constructed the Mararaba to Udege 25km road and the 15.5km Asphalt Sisinbaki-Kwarra road projects in Nasarawa and Wamba Local Government Areas, considering the huge potentials that abound in these places. Similarly, we have constructed the Al-makura and Abuja Street roads and other roads within the Lafia metropolis.  In the same vein, we have earmarked some inter-Local Government roads for construction and work on the identified projects will commence before December, 2021 to ensure all-round development of the State. It is important to state that we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russian Rail Transport Giant Transmashholding for the development of the Abuja-Keffi Rail and Rolling Production Centre in the State.  Similarly, we also signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of Gurku-Kabusu mega city project which was conceived in 2015 by the immediate past Administration.  You are also aware that we flagged-off the construction of Peninsula Housing Project during my meet the people tour, as one of the activities commemorating our two (2) years in office. It is my belief that the project will provide shelter for the teaming population of the Federal Capital Territory residing in Nasarawa State.

 

Rural Roads

 

It is imperative to state that, this Administration remains resolute in its commitment to open our rural areas for enhanced economic activities. In this regard, construction work on the Jangwa-Ribi, Agwade-Shupe-Atabula-Obi, Shabu-Doka-Arugba-Lakio, Kanje-Abuni and Kagbu A-Atsoko-Wana and Obi-Assakio roads are ongoing.

 

In addition, we have also embarked on the rehabilitation and construction of Gitata-Panda road, Nasarawa-Ara road, Angoro-Bassa road, Gudi-Moroa road and Keana-Abuni road. Let me state that all these roads would be completed within the next eight (8) months to facilitate the commencement of the construction of new ones.

Transportation

It is important to note that the transport sector with adequate infrastructure is capable of galvanizing the socio-economic development of the society. It is for this reason that we have embarked on the construction of the Ultra Model Bus Terminal in Karu, owing to the derivable growth potentials that abound in the area and its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as well as its advantage in linking many major cities of the Northern and Southern parts of the country. Similarly, the construction of Lafia Model Bus Terminal has reached appreciable stage of completion in order to give the State capital befitting outlook, as well as create opportunities for enhanced revenue generation.

 

Market Development

In our commitment to enhance revenue generation, diversification and reduce over-dependence on Federal Allocation, we have embarked on markets development in the State. This is intended to promote commerce and development of businesses for economic empowerment. It is against this backdrop that this Administration is constructing the Keffi, Akwanga and Nassarawa-Eggon Neighbourhood markets, with a view to open vistas of economic opportunities. This gesture will be extended to other Local Government Areas in the State for overall socio-economic activities to thrive.

 

 

PROVISION OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES

  1. Your Excellencies, Your Royal Highnesses, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is important to state that this Administration considers the health sector as one of its major priorities and has therefore, accorded it the desired attention. As a first step, we introduced the concept of free medical outreach in the delivery of health services. This initiative ensured that the very poor, the vulnerable and the indigent in the society are availed the necessary health attention for common ailments, including the treatment of Glaucoma, issuance of eye glasses, Cataract surgery and other major surgeries.  The exercise is being scaled up and so far, five Local Government Areas have benefited.  Our Administration also committed itself to the continuous expansion of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Lafia which was started by the immediate past Administration in our determination to facilitate the seamless transition of the Hospital to a Teaching Hospital. With the support provided by Government, the additional structures provided in the hospital have since been put to use for the benefit of the people. In the same vein, the Specialized Hospitals in Akwanga and Nasarawa have been completed and put to use already by the Hospitals Management Board. We also constructed and rehabilitated some Primary Healthcare Centres in the State.

 

I need to reiterate that, the global pandemic of COVID-19 has exposed the state of our healthcare centres at all levels.  This has given us the impetus to provide health facilities at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.  We have completed the Nasarawa State Infectious Disease Diagnosis and Research Centre for the treatment of different ailments.  As a result of the outbreak of Coronavirus in Nasarawa State, Government has converted the 300 bed IDPs hostel in Shabu and upgraded the facility to serve as Isolation Centre in the State.

 

Furthermore, the newly constructed School of Nursing and Midwifery has been furnished and fully equipped. Following certification by the Nursing Council, the School of Nursing and Midwifery have fully moved to the new site and academic activities fully commenced.

In our efforts to strengthen the workforce of our health sector, additional professional hands are being recruited to enable our hospitals meet up with the challenges of healthcare delivery. We are also finalizing arrangements towards the establishment of Faculty of Medical Sciences in the Nasarawa State University, Keffi for the training of manpower for our health institutions. The Faculty will come on stream in the next academic session.

 

EDUCATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURES/FACILITIES

 

  1. In our determination to provide conducive environment for teaching and learning, this Administration constructed classroom blocks, rehabilitated and equipped Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in the State. We have also formalized the appointments and commenced the payment of the salaries of the two thousand, two hundred and fifty (2,250) engaged teachers in the State. Efforts are being made to recruit more teachers in order to provide the needed manpower in our educational institutions, including the tertiary institutions.

 

LAFIA CARGO AIRPORT, KWANDARE

  1. As part of our commitment towards the completion of on-going projects critical to the development of the State, efforts have been made towards the completion and expansion of the Lafia Cargo Airport to international standard in order to accommodate the envisaged influx of investors, goods and passengers, as well as liaising with the security agencies for effective utilization. To ensure value addition, Government is into discussion with the Federal Government on the need for the takeover of the Lafia Cargo Airport.

 

PROVISION OF ELECTRICITY AND SOLAR POWERED STREET LIGHT

 

  1. Your Excellencies, Your Royal Highnesses, ladies and gentlemen, in our determination to improve the power supply in the State, this Administration is putting enormous pressure on the Federal Government towards the full utilization of the Akurba Power Sub-station which will be achieved in no distant time. Government has also handed over the Farin-Ruwa hydro-power projects in Wamba Local Government Area to the Federal Government for completion and utilization for the benefit of the society. You are also aware that we have provided 2km Solar Powered Street Light facilities to all the thirteen (13) Local Government Areas of the State and in strategic locations in Lafia metropolis. It is pertinent to state that we are currently replacing the street lights from welcome to Lafia gate stretching through Lafia Metropolis to Mararaba Akunza in Makurdi Road in order to give the State Capital its desired outlook. In addition, we have also procured transformers and distributed them to various communities to support our rural electrification drive.

 

AGRICULTURE/WATER SUPPLY

  1. As you are aware, Nasarawa State is an agrarian society with good climatic condition and suitable soil texture for agricultural practices. It is for this reason that we have endeavoured to take advantage of this opportunity to make some strides in the agricultural sector. In this wise, we have already informed you that Government signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Flour Mills of Nig. Plc. and Azman Rice Mills and Farms Ltd for rice, sugar and cassava production, among others.

In view of this development, we have entered into agreement with the Lower Benue Rivers Development Authority to access 500 hectares of land in Doma and other Local Government Areas for the production of rice and other crops in the State. This is intended to provide employment opportunity for our teeming youth, as well as to cushion the effect of post-COVID-19 in the State. In the same vein, we have procured fertilizer and distributed to our farmers at subsidized rates to boost agricultural production in the State. We have also keyed into the National Livestock Transformation Plan of the Federal Government.  This is aimed at transforming the agricultural sector to ensure sustainable food security and value-chain addition, as well as finding lasting solution to the incessant farmers/herders clashes. We have already lunched the commencement of the implementation project in the Awe Grazing Reserve, which is the first in the country. In addition, there are eight other grazing reserves in the State located in Keana, Lafia, Doma, Wamba, Nasarawa and Karu Local Government Areas ready for the second phase of the project.

It is imperative to state that water is one of the essential commodities to human development. It is against this backdrop that we prioritize the provision of water for both human consumption and agricultural activities. In this regard we constructed and rehabilitated water schemes in Keffi, Akwanga, Kokona and Karu Local Government Areas of the State.

 

YOUTH AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

  1. In our commitment to empower our teeming youths and women in line with the policy thrust of this Administration, we have endeavoured to create enabling environment to engage our youths in meaningful ventures with a view to open vistas of opportunities towards wealth creation, employment generation and poverty alleviation in the State. You would recall that two (2) days of our assumption of office, we distributed sewing and grinding machines to some selected youths and women across the State. We also trained some youths on Compressed Earth Brick Making and Laying, conceived to impart vocational skills for self reliance and distributed fabricated machines to the participants at the end of the training exercise.

In furtherance to this policy initiative, we have domesticated the Nasarawa State Cash Transfer Scheme, aimed at improving the living conditions of the poor, vulnerable and the indigent citizens of the State. Through this scheme, Government is giving the sum of Five Thousand Naira (N5,000.00) only monthly to each of the three thousand, eight hundred (3,800) beneficiaries selected from across the thirteen (13) Local Government and seventeen (17) Development Areas of the State.  We intend to scale up this number in view of its impact on poverty alleviation. We have also trained our youths on various vocational skills for self-reliance. Similarly, Government has completed and equipped the Lafia Institute of Technical Education, aimed at imparting necessary vocational skills to our youth and women, including those who could not have the privilege of formal or pursuing higher education.  We also facilitated the establishment of the Agric Equipment, Machinery Institute in Lafia by the Federal Government. We have already allocated site and will also give the necessary support to ensure the immediate take-up of the Institute.  The Institute when is fully operational will develop machinery and tools that will ease agricultural trades, food processing, preservation and innovation, as well as value chain addition for the benefit of the society.

Conduct of Local Government Election

  1. As you are aware, in the next few days, the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) will be conducting the Local Government Council Elections in the State. I, therefore, call on the Commission to justify the confidence reposed in it by ensuring that the conduct of the election is not only free and fair but must be credible in line with global best practices. Similarly, I call on politicians to abide by the electoral rules and regulations for a hitch-free process. I also call on the security agencies to provide adequate security support and ensure that no individual take advantage of the election to distort the peace being enjoyed in the State.

 

Traditional Administration

 

  1. This Administration attaches relevance to the Traditional institutions as the custodians of our cherished culture, values and traditions. This is why our Administration supports the agitation for the inclusion of the role of our traditional rulers in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This, we belief will put our Royal Fathers on the right footing to play complementary security roles in the maintenance of peace in their domains and also contribute to good governance. In order to strengthen the institution, this Administration distributed befitting vehicles to our traditional rulers in order to enhance their operation. Similarly, Government is also constructing and renovating palaces in phases in order to create conducive environment for our traditional rulers to discharge their onerous responsibility to the society.

 

  1. At this juncture, let me re-echo that the world today is faced with yet another scourge of the Coronavirus pandemic tagged Delta Variance, which is acclaimed to be the deadliest wave of the virus with attendant adverse effects on human lives. Aside taking the necessary dosage of the vaccines, I urge us all to continue to observe the protocol on the containment of the virus by indulging on regular hand washing, wearing of face masks and maintenance of social distancing.

 

  1. Your Excellencies, Your Royal Highnesses, ladies and gentlemen, having highlighted the significant strides of our stewardship so far, we should be reminded that the task of building a Nasarawa State of our dream lies on us all. I besiege you all to continue to support this Administration and partner with us in our collective commitment to the sustenance of peace and harmonious co-existence for socio-economic development of our dear State.

 

  1. Let me once again, congratulate the people of Nasarawa State on the attainment of 25 years of statehood.

 

  1. Thank you and may God bless us all.

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