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COVID-19: Engineer Sule, deputy take Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine publicly

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, alongside his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, publicly took the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine publicly, flagging-off the vaccination exercise in the state.

Engineer Sule and his deputy received the vaccination at a ceremony at the Government House, on Tuesday.

Addressing the press shortly after taking the vaccination, the Governor, urged mostly those at the risk of exposure to the coronavirus pandemic, especially political appointees such as commissioners and traditional rulers, to take the vaccine.

Engineer Sule used the opportunity to thank the Federal Government, as well as the Nigerian Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC), for their concerted efforts, towards seeing that the first batch of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine arrives Nigeria and Nasarawa State in particular.

"We also wish to thank the President and all members of the NDCD committee, as well as the Minister of Finance and the Executive Chairman of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaibu, who have continued to play key role to see that we receive these vaccines," the Governor said.

The Governor equally thanked the state Commissioner of Health, Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya and other officials of the ministry for working hard to see that Nasarawa receives it share of the vaccines.

Engineer Sule however cautioned that taking the first dose of the vaccine may not confer immunity against COVID-19, urging those who will take the vaccines to continue to use their face masks, pending the administration of the second dose.

Earlier, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, disclosed that the state has so far received 61 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines.

Dr. Akabe, who doubles at the chairman of the state taskforce on COVID-19, further disclosed that he undertook an inspection of the state cold room, stressing that the facility is in good condition to store the vaccines.

The Deputy Governor assured that the vaccine is safe for use.

NETHERLANDS GOV'T APPROVES 400, 000 EUROS FOR NLTP PILOT PROJECT IN NASARAWA

The Netherlands government has approved 400, 000 Euros for the Federal Government to embark on the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) in Nasarawa State.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, disclosed this on Monday, at the Government House, Lafia, while on a two-day working visit to Nasarawa State.

Alhaji Nanono, while noting that the country has been toying with the issue of livestock development, which resulted into misconceptions about the NLTP, confirmed that funding for the project has been approved by the Netherlands government and that the Federal Government will embark on a pilot project in Nasarawa State.

The Minister further disclosed that with Nigeria having over 33trn varieties of livestock ranging from cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, camels, horses, among others, the country cannot afford to play with this national assets.

Commenting on the purpose of his visit to Nasarawa State, the agriculture Minister, said he was in the state to supervise five rural roads built by his ministry across the state.

While higlighting on the signigicance of agriculture to the development of the country, Alhaji Nanono lamented however that the sector has been neglected through the years, except with the coming of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, which is prioritizing agriculture.

The Minister pointed out that with the world now focusing on agriculture, it has become paramount that the country appreciates the opportunities inherent in the sector, especially that Nigeria's growing population is pegged at 400m in the next 30 years.

He said his ministry attaches so much importance to Nasarawa State, in terms of agricultural development, as well as its potentials, ranking the state first in terms of diversity of various agricultural products, with potentials not only for promoting and ensuring food security in the country, but also for export.

The Minister added that Nasarawa State has also been selected among states that will benefit from the agricultural mechanization policy of the Federal Government, with arrangement finalized for the pilot mechanization in 632 LGAs completed.

"Nasarawa State has the potential for creating a strong relationship between agriculture and the industrial sector. And we have already started seeing some signs. And we are going to promote it in that regard," the Minister stated.

He announced that as part of the FG's programme of economic sustainability, for which N600bn was approved as support for small scale farmers, his ministry has registered over 78, 000 farmers in the state, with another 23, 000 registered for the dry season farming covering about 2, 400 hectares of land.

The Minister further disclosed that the FG will engage youths, in collaboration with universities for the production of export crops, stressing that Nasarawa State has been slated to produce soya beans for export.

Responding, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, said the vision of his administration is perfectly in line with that of President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as it relates to food security.

According to Engineer Sule, in Nasarawa State, agriculture is seen as a business, an opportunity for employment and industrialization.

The Governor noted that with over 80 percent of the population of the state involved in one form of agriculture or the other, coupled with his knowledge of agriculture from his experience at the Dangote Sugar Refinery, he is convinced that Nasarawa can be another India or Brazil, when it come to agriculture.

While thanking the Minister for selecting Nasarawa State for the youth empowerment scheme for the production of soya beans for export, Engineer Sule appealed to the ministry to also consider the production of yams and cassava for export.

The Governor identified four major agricultural companies in the state, which when fully operational, will boost the economic development of the state.

He explained that Dangote Group acquired 68, 000 hectares of land, which will translate to 400, 000 metric tons of sugar, representing one-third of the sugar consumption of the country, in addition to generating 96 megawatts of power, as well as 2500 litres of ethanol.

"But the most importantly, the project will generate employment for over 30, 000 for our people," he said.

The Governor added that other companies like Olams, sitting on 10, 000 hectares but cultivating 5000 hectares, has over 2,500 employees, the Azman Rice, sitting on 14, 000 hectares, with the Flour Mills of Nigeria also concluding arrangement to take over 20, 000 hectares of land in Toto Local Government Area, setting aside 10, 000 hectares for rice production and another 10, 000 for cassava.

"If we have these four majors, then we are going to concentrate more on our outgrowers that will be able to feed these major operations," Engineer Sule said.

Gemany-based agro manufacturing firm, Reila to establish assembly plant in Nasarawa

A post-harvest technology manufacturing company based in Germany, Reila, has identified Nasarawa State as location for establishing an assembly plant in Nigeria.

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, disclosed this shortly after a demonstration by the firm of its post-harvest implements at Shabu Farms, in Agwada Development Area, on Saturday.

Engineer Sule who couldn't hide his excitement, showed appreciation to the Emir of Keffi, HRH Dr. Shehu Usman Yamusa, for initiating the idea, as well as the first civilian governor of the state, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, for making his farm available to carry out the demonstration.

According to the Governor, the arrival of Reila will afford Nasarawa State the opportunity to carry out post-harvest operation, which will help farmers in the state cut loses incurred as a result of harvest.

"The biggest part, is the fact that the company has identified Nasarawa State as a place where they will set up their manufacturing site, where the assembly of agricultural implements will be carried out," he stated.

Engineer Sule described the decision by the Germany based company, which in coming to Nigeria, identified Nasarawa State as its location, as a big push for his administration, considering the importance it attached to attracting investors to the state.

"This is really a big push for us. That's why I selected today to come and see this demonstration myself, because both the Emir of Keffi, as well as our former governor, are attracting the kind of investment our administration is looking forward to, especially in agriculture," he said.

The Governor further explained that, his administration will also acquire some of the implements, to lease it out at a subsidized rate, to local farmers who may not afford the cost of buying the equipment.

"The intention is not for the Nasarawa State Government to make money out of it, but we will save our farmers from post-harvest loses. Once they are able to save such loses, we will be empowering our people economically," Engineer Sule said.

Also speaking, representative of Reila in Nigeria, Abba Kyari Wujema, said the company which specializes in efficient grains management during harvest, discovered that over 30 percent of grains in Nigeria are lost after harvest, mostly because of poor post-harvest management.

According to Wujema, RIELA® deals with the development of plants for grain processing and is today one of the major suppliers of complete after-harvest-technology plants. Cleaning, drying, storage of assorted grain, maize, rice, oil fruits and legumes.

Governor, Abdullahi A. Sule Conferred with Awards of "The Living Legend Governor of the Year 2020" and "The Best Environmental Friendly Governor of the Year 2020" on thursday 7th January, 2021.

The awards were conferred on him by THE LIVING ETCETERA MAGAZINE.

WHY WE INTRODUCED QUALIFYING EXAMS FOR DIRECTORS SEEKING TO BECOME PERMANENT SECRETARIES - Engineer Sule

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has given reasons why his administration introduced qualifying examination for directors seeking to become permanent secretaries, stressing that the move was aimed at setting a solid foundation for a virile state civil service.

Engineer Sule stated this while being presented with a report by the committee constituted to conduct examination for eligible directors for appointment into the post of permanent secretaries in the state public service, at the Government House, on Thursday.

While noting that the civil service in Nasarawa State presently is weak, in spite of the work being carried out by the state Head of Civil Service, the Governor said the decision to set qualifying examination for directors seeking to become permanent secretaries, was in a bid to restructure the civil service and to restore it to its past glory.

According to Engineer Sule, without a virile and committed civil service, all the investments the administration is trying to attract and all the development efforts, cannot be achieved.

The Governor however assured that, with the nature of appointments in the state, other considerations, aside the examination, will also play critical role in the selection of the permanent secretaries.

"What we are trying to do, based on my knowledge of administration, is to have some guidance, that the people we are selecting have capacity.

"In selecting, it's not only the outcome of the examination that is being considered, there are other considerations. We have to have representation from different part of the state. And I have no doubt that in every local government that you go, you will find persons with capacity," he stated.

Engineer Sule used the opportunity to also comment on insinuations that his administration is setting up too many committees, stressing that committees are useful in guiding the administration to do things right.

He pointed out that setting up committees is not necessarily because the administration didn't know what to do.

"The easiest thing to do while selecting directors who will become permanent secretaries, is for the Governor to sit down and look at all the directors and other people in the civil service and appoint some of them, as provided by the law.

"But if I want to do it right, it's to go by setting up committee, because members of the committee know the directors better," Engineer Sule said.

The Governor further assured that his administration will sustain these two strategies, of setting qualifying examination, as well as referring to people with more experience in the appointment of permanent secretaries and other government officials in that cadre, at least for guidance which will help the state government gets the best for the state.

The Governor thanked the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who was Acting Governor while Engineer Sule was away on vacation and for identifying with the members of the committee, the Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Barrister Muhammad Ubandoma Aliyu, as well as members of the committee for doing a wonderful job.

Earlier, while presenting the report, Chairman of the committee, Jonah Ogbole, described the exercise, being the first of its kind in history of state, as a revolution.

According to Ogbole, who was a one time Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, without the civil service, there is nothing that can be done.

He commended the Governor for the initiative, adding that there are only few states in the country, aside the federal government, where such innovation has been contemplated.

"We want to give you credit for this. It's a very big event, it's a revolution," he stated.

WORLD MEDICAL RELIEF TO EQUIP LAFIA INFECTIOUS DISEASES CENTRE FREE OF CHARGE

The World Medical Relief, Inc, a multi-funded, non-profit charitable organization, based in Detroit, Michigan, in United States, has made a commitment towards equipping the Lafia Infectious Deseases Control Centre, free of charge.

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, disclosed this while signing into law, the 2021 Appropriation Bill, at a ceremony at the Government House, on Wednesday.

According to Engineer Sule, Nigeria's former Minister of Health, Dr. Mohammed Pate, who was previously with the Bill Gates Foundation but now working with the United Nations, impressed by the infectious diseases control centre recently commissioned by the Nasarawa State Government, introduced Engineer Sule to the World Medical Relief.

The Governor explained that Dr. Pate specifically introduced him to the Chairman of the World Medical Relief, George Sampson, as well as the Health Ambassador, Charles Amanze, who are all committed to supporting the state free of charge with equipment to be used at the diseases control centre.

Engineer Sule equally disclosed that Dr. Pate also introduced him to African Research Excellence Fund, which agreed to offer training for medical doctors that will handle the equipment to be supplied by the World Medical Relief.

The Governor added that by February or March next year, the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, the Commissioner for Health, Pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya and some other medical staff, will visit Detroit in Michigan, in order to select the kind of equipment required at the diseases control centre.

Also, the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Health, may select doctors who will undergo training sponsored by the African Research Excellence Fund in the United Kingdom.

The Governor used the opportunity to thank Dr. Pate and all those that assisted to make the state benefit from the two separate gestures.

Nasarawa among states benefiting from $10m World Bank fiscal transparency grant
....Earmarks N950m to build markets, pay gratuity

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has disclosed that the state has joined other elite states in the country benefiting from the $10m each World Bank fiscal transparency grant.

Engineer Sule disclosed this while delivering a speech at a sensitization workshop organized by the National Population Commission, on Enumeration Area Demarcation, in Lafia, on Wednesday.

According to the Governor, even though the state has missed out on similar interventions previously, his administration is committed to exploiting every available intervention programme that is of benefit to the state.

Engineer Sule announced that Nasarawa State has benefited from the World Bank State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SIFTAS), with his administration dedicating the funds for things that will make impact on the lives of the people.

He specifically said his administration will take N250m out of the money and as he earlier promised, to pay gratuity of retirees who may have lost hope of ever getting their entitlement, as well as N350m each for the construction of markets in Nasarawa Eggon and Akwanga.

"I am happy to tell you that Nasarawa State has just received its own $10m. I told the Accounant General not to touch it for everything else.

"That money will be dedicated for things that will make impact to the people of Nasarawa State, things that you can touch and feel," he stated.

Engineer Sule added that even though the state lost out on several other intervention programme, Nasarawa has also recorded some success in some areas, with for instance, an organization of the United Nations, coming to Nigeria for the first time, selected Panda, in Karu Local Government Area, to build a school.

"There are so many other things that are coming up, that Nasarawa State is qualified but there are so many that we were losing.

"That is why we are not resting, we are following every of the intervention programme," the Governor said.

He said his administration was lucky to have experts in development work, who are assisting the state in that direction.

Engineer Sule launches second phase of measles immunization, commissions primary healthcare facility

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has launched the measles second dose MCV2 immunization, into routine immunization schedule, aimed at reducing the prevalence of measles in children under the age of five.

Engineer Sule flagged off the exercise at a ceremony that took place in Kana/Apau, in Kokona Local Government Area, on Monday.

The Governor, at the event, equally commissioned and took over an ultra modern primary healthcare facility, constructed through the Save One Million Lives initiative, supported by the World Bank, aimed at strengthening the capacity, as well as improving the provision of quality healthcare in the state.

While launching the second dose of the measles immunization, Engineer Sule, said the exercise is meant to address inadequacies from the first dose of the measles vaccines, towards conferring optimal protection against the disease, for children in their second year.

The Governor pointed out that measles, A devastating disease, has remained a major public health challenge, with statistics showing that approximately over 246 children die each day from measles, with majority of the cases recorded in Africa, especially in Nigeria.

According to Engineer Sule, it's disheartening that measles has remained a major cause of concern for Nigeria because over 17000 cases of the disease are recorded daily, with fatality rate of 12.4% in the North, compared to only 1.9% in the South.

"This should be a major concern for Governor's and especially to Governors in Northern Nigeria," he stated.

The Governor noted that it has therefore become necessary to introduce the second phase of the dose into routine immunization schedule, to help increase its immunity conferred by the vaccine, which gives children under the age of five better chance of survival.

He emphasized that his administration recognized the urgent need to curb the high rate of childhood deaths, disability and illness, in line with the Save One Million Lives initiative.

Engineer Sule added that, and to this end, his administration is committed towards strengthening the Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, to deliver its statutory responsibility of delivering quality primary healthcare services for the people at the grass root.

The Governor however appealed to all mother's and care givers, to make their children between the age of nine and 15 months, available for vaccination at the nearest facility, during the outreach services that is commencing.

He equally appealed to political, religious leaders, as well as traditional rulers, to be fully involved in sanitizing their people for the immunization exercise, urging them to assist the government by resolving defaulters and non compliance cases.

The Governor then commended the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the state Ministry of Health, the Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Nasarawa State Emergency Routine Maintenance, Routine Immunization Coordination Centre and all development partners, for their continued support, commitment and collaboration towards strengthening of routine maintenance and other services.

On the newly commissioned primary healthcare facility, Engineer Sule, while thanking the Save the One Million Lives initiative, the World Bank and the Alhaji Abubakar Kana family, for constructing the edifice, reiterated the commitment of his administration to upgrading of all healthcare centres across the 13 local government areas, for effective and efficient service delivery.

Earlier, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, in a goodwill message, said since the inception of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, efforts have been put in place to address issues of healthcare in the country, with huge resources devoted to the sector.

Dr. Ehanire, who was represented at the event by Dr. Ibrahim Kana, National Program Manager, Saving One Million Lives Programme for Result, a World Bank assisted programme, noted that Nigeria has attained the elimination of polio, with continuous improvement in immunization coverage being recorded in the country.

A representative of development partners working in the state, said the second dose of measles immunization is aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity amongst children.

She added that the primary healthcare facility was constructed by the Save One Million Lives initiative, in order to serve the people of the community towards ensuring that primary health care services, which include. Immunization, antenatal, delivery and treatment of minor ailments, is well taken care of.

Highlights of the event, witnessed the Alhaji Abubakar Kana family donate an ambulance to the newly commissioned primary healthcare facility in Kana/Apau.

Engineer Sule commissions largest cinema in West Africa, woes French investors

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has commissioned a 300 capacity cinema, the largest in the country, as well as the entire West African region, built by a French company, Canal Olympia.

Engineer Sule commissioned the edifice, in Marraba, Karu Local Government Area, on Monday.

While commissioning the facility, the Governor appealed to other French investors coming to Nigeria, to see Nasarawa State as investment destination.

Engineer Sule said his administration is doing everything possible to make Nasarawa State an investment destination, that is not only compatible but peaceful, in order for investors have return on their investments.

According to the Governor, every investor is looking for market and Nasarawa State has lots of aspiring young people, who are the market for new technology, as well as competitive labour.

He therefore urged the French Ambassador to Nigeria, to persuade French investors coming to Nigeria to come to Nasarawa State.

Engineer Sule said his administration believes in culture and tradition, with the film industry also an aspect of culture and tradition, stressing that the state government has taken steps to support film makers in the state because it's a source of empowerment for youths, as well as promote culture and tradition.

He explained that his administration has just completed the 20km road to Farin Ruwa, in Wamba Local Government Area, where the government is working hard to create a film village, to attract the movie industry to the state.

"We do have a policy to support film makers in Nasarawa State because we believe it's a source of empowerment for the youth, as well as promote our culture and tradition," he stated.

The Governor used the opportunity to show appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, for his foresight and continually seeing the future of Nigeria, by actually creating the environment for the music and film industry to thrive.

He expressed satisfaction, that having worked hard to attract investors to the state, the effort has continued to bare fruit, especially at a time when knowledge is being used more than mineral resources.

Engineer equally thanked the French Ambassador and the Canal Olympia, being the investors for choosing Nasarawa State as destination for their investment.

The Governor specifically commended the Chairman of Karu Local Government Area, Hon. Sam Akala, as well as the Estu Karu, HRH Pharm. Luka Panya Baba, for making the area conducive for investors to come.

Earlier, in a welcome address, Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board, said the Canal Olympia, which has 300 sitting capacity, is the largest cinema in the entire West Africa, with a stage for performance and open space with 5000.

The Executive Director appreciated President Buhari, for doing so much for the creative industry in so short a period, with the President, for the first time, putting the creative industry in the economic sector, now pushing towards displacing agriculture as major revenue earner.

He disclosed that the ease of doing business policy of the Federal Government made it possible for French investors who came to the country as part of the French President's entourage, to invest in Nigeria and Nasarawa State in particular.

He equally commended the Etsu Karu for being accommodative.

NASARAWA TO CONVERT LAFIA CITY HALL INTO A MULTIPURPOSE INDOOR SPORTS ARENA

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has made known the decision of his administration to convert the gigantic Lafia City Hall, into a multipurpose indoor sports arena.

Engineer Sule made this known while being presented with medals won by sports men and women during the year, as well as coaches from Nasarawa United that were invited to the national team, at the Government House, on Wednesday.

The Governor said with the present sitting arrangement in the Lafia City Hall, government will spend little amount of money, to be able to convert the facility into a multipurpose indoor sports arena, where various sports like basketball, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting and others can take place.

According to Engineer Sule, sports is no longer what it used to be in the past, with sports now a serious business around the world, with for instance, the NBA, NFL and NHL in the United States adding more to the GDP of America, than the entire GDP of Nigeria.

The Governor stated further that the era of minerals being exploited to develop economies is fast fading, with the advent of the era of digital economy, where knowledge and talents generate revenue easier.

He added that the thrust of his administration is to harness the various talents, knowledge and experiences in the sports sector, with a view to making the youths in the State live productive lives.

"Most of the sports arenas that I have visited, all looked like the City Hall, when the idea came, I think it was a perfect idea. I have absolutely no problem whatsoever being able to convert it into an indoor sports arena," the Governor said.

On the successes recorded within the year, Engineer Sule pointed out that Nasarawa State had a solid foundation in sports even before he became Governor, recalling that the state football teams during the administration of Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura, has always done the state proud.

He commended the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Othman Bala Adam, for his enthusiasm, which serves as motivation and encouragement for the sports men and women to excel and to continue to make Nasarawa State proud.

Engineer Sule announced a donation of N10m in support of the coaches and victorious sports men and women that have won various medals for the state during the last year.

Earlier in an opening remarks, State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Othman Bala Adam, said with the coming of the present administration, sports has been given the needed support, encouragement and motivation, which translated into victory for sports men and women in th state.

Hon. Usman disclosed that during the past year, sports men and women in the state won 22 gold medals, 11 silver medals and 12 bronze medals, in different sporting activities.

The Commissioner added that because of the Governor's disposition towards sports development and youth empowerment, 5 national coaches were invited from clubs in the state.

Also speaking, the Andoma of Doma, HRH Ahmadu Aliyu Ogah, who doubles as the sponsor of the Andoma Peace and Unity National Basketball Tournament, urged the Governor to consider establishing state teams for basketball and golf, since according to him, the state is blessed with talented sports men and women in the two sports.

The Andoma equally made case for the government to support talented young men and women in various sporting activities by placing them on salary, to serve as moral booster.

The royal father then urged the state government to erect an indoor basketball court inside the Lafia City Hall, to not only provide training facility for basketballers in the state but enable the state host national basketball tournaments.

VP OSINBAJO COMMISSIONS STATE-OF-THE-ART NASARAWA INFECTIOUS DISEASES CENTRE - saying it's the first of its kind in West Africa and probably across the entire continent

Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has commissioned the state-of-the-art Nasarawa State Infectious Diseases, Diagnosis and Research Centre, in Lafia, the state capital.

Performing the ceremony on Tuesday, the Vice President, described the centre as a landmark achievement, the first of its kind in West Africa and probably across the entire continent.

While commending both the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura, for initiating the project, as well as incumbent Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, for ensuring that the vision came to fruition, VP Osinbajo said the edifice is a notable scientific and technological achievement worthy of celebration.

In his speech during the event, the Vice President noted that Nasarawa State, which is not among the wealthiest states in country, in terms of earnings and federal allocation, but that with a vision, the state has shown that vision is even more important than money.

He however commended Engineer Sule, who by building on the vision started by Senator Al-makura, has ensured continuity in governance, thereby bringing much needed development to the state.

"I want to commend the Governor for acknowledging the leadership and vision of his predecessor. This is as it should be and this demonstrates his own personal capacity, his humility and vision as well," he stated.

Speaking on the state of affairs of the nation, VP Osinbajo urged Nigerians not to despair, especially with a purposeful leader like President Muhammadu Buhari, who has remained focused, in spite of the challenges confronting the country.

According to the Vice President, Nigeria is a great nation and as such Nigerians must never despair, assuring that the country will come out stronger despite the challenge posed by the COVID-19 and some security issues.

Earlier in his remarks, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, said his administration committed enormous resources in completing the NASIDARC, following its resolve to not only complete projects initiated by the previous government but also to improve on the living condition of the people of the state, through the provision of quality healthcare service.

The Governor recalled that prior to now, diagnosis of several infectious diseases like lassa fever, yellow fever, measles, cerebrospinal meningitis, as well as COVID-19, were conducted outside the state.

Engineer Sule said the multi billion naira facility, comprising a biosafety level 3 laboratory, a molecular biology laboratory, an infectious diseases centre and an epidemiological centre for young scientists on vaccines and drugs development, will also serve as a research hub.

Engineer Sule then commended the Federal Government for supporting the state in the areas of equipment, as well as other critical facilities.

"We will continue to cherish Federal Government support, intervention and partnership, in our collective development of our dear state," he said.

Top dignitaries that witnessed the event include, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Hon. Justice Suleiman Umaru Dikko, State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Ahmed Baba Yahaya and the Sectretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barrister Muhammad Ubandoma Aliyu.

ENGINEER SULE EXPRESSES WILLINGNESS TO IMPLEMENT NEW MINIMUM WAGE FOR LEVEL 6 DOWNWARDS

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has expressed the willingness of his administration to implement the new national minimum wage for civil servants from grade level six downwards.

Engineer Sule made this known while playing host to the national leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Women Commission, at the Government House, on Friday.

According to the Governor, his administration is willing to increase the salary of civil servants from grade level six downwards to the N30, 000 new minimum wage.

Engineer Sule however appealed for the understanding of state civil servants from level 7 to 16, who are already enjoying higher salaries as was implemented by the previous administration, with civil servants in that category earning higher salaries even more than some of their colleagues in states like Kaduna, Plateau and Kwara, where the new national minimum wage was implemented.

The Governor said his administration is waiting for the committee on the new national minimum wage, to submit its report for him to sign.

"We are willing to sign it today. We will not tamper with the status quo for civil servants on grade level 7 to 16.

"We are being more than generous for a state that is struggling," he stated.

Engineer Sule however urged officials of all unions in the state, to appeal to their members for understanding, especially that Nasarawa State is still contending with the economic consequences of the COVID-19 and other challenges.

Commenting on the issue of promotion, the Governor noted that it's not too much responsibility for any institution to promote its employees, stressing however that it's necessary to match promotion with performance.

Engineer Sule said the civil service in Nasarawa State needs to be reformed, which informed the decision of his administration to embark on the training of civil servants, as well as empowering them with proper tools to work.

"If you give somebody responsibility, give them proper tools, encouragement and training, and let them perform. If they don't perform, then promotion doesn't come," he said.

He said the thrust of his administration is to reform the state civil service, to make civil servants in the state become more competitive, even better than civil servants working in the Federal.Capital Territory (FCT).

On the matter concerning the outstanding salary arrears of some civil servants in the state, also inherited from the previous administration, Engineer Sule, expressed willingness to implement the report recently submitted by the Committee on Promotions and Salary Arrears, as well as release their payment.

In her opening remarks, National Chairperson of the TUC women wing, Hafsat Shuaibu, commended the Governor for carrying women along in his administration.

Mrs. Shuaibu said the TUC women wing decided to come to Nasarawa State to hold its annual seminar, with women drawn across the 36 states and the FCT, mostly because of the Governor's records of achievements.

She however appealed to Engineer Sule to implement the new national minimum wage, as well as settle the salary arrears of some civil servants in the state.
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Engineer Sule restates commitment to support persons willing to develop Nasarawa

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has restated the commitment of his administration to support individuals coming into Nasarawa to further develop the state.

Engineer Sule made the commitment during the foundation laying ceremony for the Brekete Family Smart City project, in Gurku, Karu Local Government Area, on Wednesday.

The Governor, while commending the Brekete Family for initiating the project, aimed at providing housing for low and middle income earners, said his administration will continue to support the initiative, which is in line with the policy thrust of his administration.

Engineer Sule however appealed to the owners of the project, to ensure that only ordinary people, who have no hope of owning their houses, are allowed to benefit from the project.

The Governor used the opportunity to assure Nigerians that in spite of the security challenges witnessed in the state recently, particularly the murder of the APC State Chairman, the late Chief Philip Tatari Shekwo, Nasarawa State still remains peaceful and conducive for doing business.

He equally thanked the Federal Government for all the support given to the state, particularly the road leading to the site of the Brekete Family Smart City.

Engineer Sule identified Karu, Kabusu and Gurku, as areas already marked out for development, being gateways to the Federal Capital Territory, with especially Gurku suitable for massive housing scheme, in order to provide accommodation for employees working in Abuja.

Commenting on the popular radio station, the Brekete Family, ran by the Ordinary President, Ahmad Isah, the Governor gave his word that he is willing to answer questions seeking clarifications regarding the activities of his administration.

Earlier, Consultant for the Smart City project, Dr. Iyke Ezeugo, said Brekete Family Smart City project will be carried out on about six hundred hectares of land and 70 units of houses, comprising 2 and 3 bedrooms semi-detached bungalows, as part of the first phase of the project.

Ezeugo explained that the concept was first initiated as Sites and Services, where the firm will provide land, as well as services that will make the land habitable.

He explained that with the new partnership with the Federal Mortgage Bank, through the cooperative housing development scheme, subscribers are required to pay only 10 percent of the total cost of the completed building, with the 3-bedroom pegged at N9.2m, while the 2-bedroom costs N2.5m.

On his part, Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, said the approval of the loan to the Brekete Family housing cooperative platform, Watershed Credit and Thrift Cooperative Society Limited, as well as the foundation laying ceremony, are indications of the bank's desire to continue to empower ordinary Nigerians in the area of house ownership.

Dangiwa then commended the Nasarawa State Government, for supporting the Brekete Family on the project, as well as the tremendous support the FMB has continued to receive.

The FMB MD recalled that only recently, 100 housing units were delivered, under the FMB/NLC/TUC/NECA collaborative project at Kwandere, with the bank presently financing the construction of an estate for the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Multipurpose Cooperative in Lafia, the state capital.

EDUCATION HAS CONTINUED TO REMAIN A PRIORITY IN NASARAWA WITH 31% ALLOCATION, AS ENGINEER SULE PRESENTS N112bn BUDGET ESTIMATE FOR 2021

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has presented the 2021 fiscal appropriation bill, before the State House of Assembly, pegged at N112, 923, 174, 543, with education/science & ICT taking the lion share with 31.35%.

Engineer Sule presented the budget estimates at a ceremony, on Tuesday.

Tagged "Budget of Economic Recuperation", the 2021 Appropriation Bill according to the Governor, is a budget of Economic recovery and revitalization, aimed at addressing some of the negative economic challenges witnessed in 2020.

Engineer Sule disclosed that the 2021 budget is made up of N51, 050, 456, 817, representing 45.21%, as recurrent expenditure, while capital expenditure is estimated at N54, 854, 985, 695, representing 48.58%.

The Governor further disclosed that another sum of N7, 017, 732, 031, representing 6.21%, has been allocated to the Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges, for the servicing of debt, pension and gratuity.

Like the previous budget, the 2021 sectoral allocation saw education/science & ICT takes the lion share with N35.4bn, representing 31.35%, followed by infrastructure with N19.6bn, representing 17.36%.

Others are health, 11.4bn (10.10%), environment and natural resources, N10.4bn (9.21%), agriculture and natural resources, N6.5bn (5.76%) and finance/investment/trade, N5.7bn (5.05%).

N14.3bn was earmarked for general administration.

Highlights of the 2021 budget include, completion of ongoing construction of the Karu Mega Bus Terminal, N1bn, completion of the ongoing construction of the Lafia Mega Bus Terminal, N700m, completion of the Mararaba-Udege road, N1.3bn and ongoing construction of the 65km Kwandere-Keffi road, N500m.

Others are, completion of ongoing construction of 15km Sisinbaki-Farin Ruwa road, N1.3bn, construction of proposed state secretariat complex, N1bn, rehabilitation/repairs of public facilities, N1.3bn, general intervention in electricity sector, N1.5bn, water supply, N700m, construction of urban roads in Lafia and other urban centres, N4bn, rural roads and other basic infrastructure, N2bn, construction of Doma-Agbashi-Akpanaja-Benue border, N1bn, construction of Nasarawa-Ara road, N500m, construction of 2km Idadu-agbashi road, N500m, as well as N1bn for development, compensation and provision of facilities at Koroduma, Race Course and others.

While re-emphasizing that the principles of transparency and accountability will continue to guide his administration, aimed at pursuing standards, as well as ensure judicious management of government resources, the Governor said the budget is anchored on the collective desire to continue to improve the developmental landscape for the prosperity of the people.

Engineer Sule promised to complete all ongoing projects, including those projects started by his administration.

"I wish to reiterate that the attainment of our development objectives contained in this budget rest squarely on our continuous commitment, dedication, sacrifice and enduring partnership," he stated.

The budget was presented yesterday Tuesday, 17th November, 2020 at the floor of Nasarawa State House of Assembly.

No, no be news na broadcast

His Excellency Engr Abdullahi A Sule has yet fulfilled another promise of paying full salary to over two thousand (2000) engaged Teachers in the state.

Recalled that the previous administration under the Leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Umar Tanko Al-makura engaged over two thousand Teachers on a stipend of ₦20,000 each in order to improve manpower in all secondary schools across the state.

On assumption of office, His Excellency Engr Abdullahi A Sule as a man who have great passion for education absorbed them into service as pensionable staff. The said staff have been receiving their stipends on due course while they work.

We are happy to inform you that these staff have received their full salary for the month of October today. Congratulations to them and we pray for Almighty Allah to continue to guide our Governor to exceed all expectations. Ameen.

GOVERNMENT OF NASARAWA STATE

SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ENGR. ABDULLAHI A. SULE, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF NASARAWA STATE ON THE OCCASION OF A ONE-DAY STAKEHOLDERS DIALOGUE ON THE DEMANDS PRESENTED BY ENDSARS, LAFIA: FRIDAY, 23RD OCTOBER, 2020


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

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

3. The Hon. Chief Judge of Nasarawa State;

4. Distinguished Senators and Members of the House of Representatives present;

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

6. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, Nigeria Police Force;

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

8. Your Excellencies, former Governors;

9. Your Excellencies, former Deputy Governors;

10. The Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State;

11. The Head of the Civil Service;

12. Special Advisers;

13. The State Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC);

14. Former Ministers and Ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;

15. Former Senators and Members of the House of Representatives;

16. Permanent Secretaries Federal and State present;

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

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

19. Executive Chairmen of Local Government Councils and Overseers of Development Areas present;

20. Other Security Agencies here present;

21. Your Royal Highnesses, Emirs and Chiefs;

22. Other Distinguished Stakeholders;

23. Gentlemen of the Press;

24. Ladies and Gentlemen.


It is with a sense of responsibility that I address you today on A One-Day Stakeholders Dialogue on the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force.

2. Let me specially welcome our distinguished Senators and other Members of the National Assembly to this all-important event. Similarly, I welcome the Honourable Minister of State for Science and Technology, Barr. Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi to this Forum. I acknowledge the presence of other critical stakeholders, who within short notice, honoured our invitation to grace this event.

3. As you are already aware, Nigeria is faced with security challenges occasioned by the activities of the ENDSARS protesters against the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force. The activities of the ENDSARS have continued to pose security threats with attendant consequences on human lives and property, as well as the socio-economic development of the State and the country at large.
4. This is coming at a time when His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to record unprecedented progress and development in all facets of human endeavours.

5. I need to inform you that the ENDSARS protesters have raised a 5-Points Demand which include:
i. Immediate release of all arrested protesters;

ii. Justice for all deceased victims of Police brutality and appropriate compensation;

iii. Setting-up an independent body to oversee the investigation and prosecution of all records of Police misconduct (within 10 days);

iv. In line with the new Police Act psychological evaluation and retraining (to be confirmed by an independent body) of all disbanded SARS officers before they can be redeployed; and

v. Increase Police salary so that they are adequately compensated for protecting lives and property of citizens.



6. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to appraise the present security challenge with a view to finding a lasting and sustainable peace, as well as fashion out modalities towards addressing the 5-Points Demand raised by the ENDSARS protesters. In an attempt to address the demands of the protesters, Government had in compliance with the Presidential directive, constituted Judicial Commission of Enquiry with a clear mandate as reflected in their terms of reference. This gathering will further give us an opportunity to carefully look into the plights of the protesters as it relates to our State. I, therefore, call on you all to be objective in your contributions, in our collective determination to not only address the 5-Points Demand of the ENDSARS but also to create the needed serene environment for socio-economic development of our dear State and the country at large.

7. It is pertinent to note that, the Federal Government under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has implemented different programmes targeted mostly on youths and women, as well as the most vulnerable groups in the society. This is in an effort to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next ten (10) years.

8. On our part as a State, this Administration made deliberate efforts towards the empowerment of our youths and women in line with our policies and programmes geared towards wealth creation, employment generation and poverty alleviation. Government has completed 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.

9. In addition, this Administration has attracted investors, like the Dangote Group of Company, Azman Rice Ltd, Flour Mills, Olam Farms, among others into the State. These companies will serve as employment hubs for our teeming youth in the State. We also sustained the Nasarawa Youth Empowerment Scheme in an effort to reduce redundancy among our youths. Government is, however, determined to provide all the necessary support to make our youth productive and fully prepared to take over the governance of this great nation.

10. Let me take the liberty of this occasion to inform you that, just yesterday I had the opportunity of attending the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) in Kaduna, where the Forum deliberated extensively on the activities of the ENDSARS protesters which have turned violent resulting in the destruction of our national assets and destruction of property, as well as other cherished institutions. I need to also point out that one of the resolutions of the Northern State Governors’ Forum is to carry out strategic engagements with stakeholders, hence the imperative of convening this meeting. I shall give you further briefing when the meeting dissolve into Executive Session.

11. At this juncture, I wish to commend His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his commitment in the provision of security. Similarly, I salute our security agencies in spite of the growing animosity, they have remained resilient and focused in the fight against crimes and criminalities in the State. I urge you to sustain this tempo for the good of all. I wish to also assure you of our necessary support and enablement in the discharge of your responsibilities.

12. Before concluding this address, let me once again appreciate the efforts of our traditional and religious leaders for supporting our commitment in calming this situation. Similarly, I appreciate youth leaders for their various roles in ensuring that the youth did not take the Law into their hands. I urge you to continue to support our efforts in this direction for the benefit of our society.

13. To this end, let me state that peace, security and harmonious co-existence is a collective responsibility of all. We must endeavour to come together in unison to fight crimes and criminality in our society for the collective good of all. We, all, must encourage and support the efforts of our Security Agencies towards securing our environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.

14. On this note, it is my pleasure to declare the One-Day Stakeholders Dialogue, open. I wish us all a hitch free deliberations.

15. Thank you and may God bless us all.

Nasarawa is faced serious security challenges, we can't negotiate the little peace we've achieved on any circumstance please.

We have understood our challenges and most indigenous tribes are doing everything y possible to help restore lasting PEACE. SARS aren't generally good but they have served us well.

Hope you understand.

ENGINEER SULE WARNS NON RESIDENT ENDSARS PROTESTERS TO STAY CLEAR OF NASARAWA

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has warned people moving into the state for the purpose of staging protest seeking the banning of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), to stay clear of the state or face the full wrath of the law.

Engineer Sule handed down the warning while inaugurating the judicial commission of enquiry into the activities of the F-SARS of the Nigerian Police and other related matters, at the Government House, on Monday.

The Governor disclosed that available information indicate that some people are being conveyed into the state in buses, with a view to staging protests in Karu and Keffi, warning such people not to carry on with the protest as government will not fold its arms and allow them to cause problems in the state.

Engineer Sule advised such intending protesters to stay clear of Nasarawa State and to remain in their places of resident to protest.

“If there is going to be any protest, let it be by residents of Nasarawa who understand what is happening in Nasarawa State.

“We will not welcome and we will not fold our arms as government and continue to receive other people who don’t understand the challenges that we are having in Nasarawa State, to come in buses, arrive somewhere in Karu and Keffi and stage protest in false claims because those people don’t understand our problems, they should go to where they are resident and protest,” he stated.

Engineer Sule said inaugurating the judicial commission has become even more imperative after some disgruntled elements and desperate politicians have cashed in on the situation, with the intent of destabilizing the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, at a time when steady progress and development is being recorded in the country.

“As far as we are concerned in Nasarawa State, we have recorded some successes as a result of the activities of SARS and we have identified that, and we have also identified some weaknesses of SARS and so we are in line with whatsoever is happening in the country, as long as it is for the peace of the country,” the Governor said.

He equally pointed out that his administration has recognized the rights of people to protest whenever they find the policy of government is going in the wrong direction, but that when it comes to SARS, it has been kind to Nasarawa State.

Engineer Sule lamented that in spite of the fact that the Federal Government and Police authorities banned the SARS, the protest appears to continue unabated.

While commending members of the commission for their readiness to serve both state and country, and their statesmanship and love for peace, stability, progress and development of Nasarawa State and the country at large, the Governor said they were chosen to carry out a broad base appraisal of the situation.

The judicial commission, which is to be chaired by a former Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Badamasi Maina, has the following terms of reference, to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality, or related extra judicial killings, to evaluate evidence and draw conclusions on validity of complaints and to recommend compensation and other remedial measures to government.

It has six months within which to submit its report.

The Governor added that members of the commission were not selected to say what government wants to hear, but to tell government the truth.

Engineer Sule used the opportunity to restate his appreciation to the Federal Government for the continued support to Nasarawa State, in the area of maintenance of law and order, stressing that the robust relationship has made it possible for the state to benefit from the establishment of critical security infrastructure.

These include, special joint military operation code named Ayum Patuma, with the operations headquarters in Nasarawa State, to take care of the entire North Central zone, Operation Whirl Stroke, with its headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State and operational bases in Nasarawa, to address farmers/herders conflicts.

Others are, establishment of 123 Task Force Battalion in Doma, the barrack which is fully operational is serving as the headquarters of the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, the establishment of two military super camps at Mararaban Udege in Nasarawa and Kenyehu in Toto Local Government Areas, among others.


 
GOVERNMENT OF NASARAWA STATE
 
BEING TEXT OF A SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ENGR. ABDULLAHI A. SULE, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF NASARAWA STATE ON THE OCCASION OF THE SWEARING-IN OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY INTO THE ACTIVITIES OF THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE, LAFIA: MONDAY, 19TH OCTOBER, 2020
 
 
1.    His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State;
 
2.    The Right Honourable Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly;
 
3.    The Honourable Chief Judge of Nasarawa        State;
 
4. Principal Officers and Members of the State House of Assembly present;
 
5. Members of the State Executive and Security Councils;
 
6.    The Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State;
 
7.    The Head of Civil Service;
 
8.    Special Advisers;
 
9.    His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs;
 
10.  The State Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC);
 
11.   Permanent Secretaries;
 
12.  The Chairman and members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry;
13. Chairmen and Chief Executives of Federal and State Commissions, Boards and Parastatals;
 
14.  Executive Chairmen of Local Government and Development Areas;
 
15.   Gentlemen of the Press;
 
16.  Ladies and gentlemen.
 
I am delighted to welcome you all to the inauguration of the Commission of Enquiry to look into the activities of some personnel of the Nigerian Police Force.  
 
2.         You would recall that in the last few weeks, our dear country was engulfed with series of protests seemingly against the activities of the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police Force with the attendant security implication.  As a responsible and responsive Government, it became necessary to arrest the situation to avoid its degeneration into a state of anarchy and chaos.  Accordingly, the National Economic Council meeting was convened on Thursday, 15th October, 2020 under the chairmanship of His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  The resolution arrived at the meeting obliged State Governors to constitute Commission of Enquiry pursuant to Commission of Enquiry Act CAP 25 of Northern Nigeria with the view to carryout in-depth investigation into the activities of the Police Force towards stemming the escalation of the situation.
 
3.         As you are aware, the concern shown and expressed by well-meaning citizens of the country, including those in the diaspora, and the peculiarity of the sporadic protest has made the setting up of this Commission not only inevitable, but obligatory.  This is more so that some disgruntled elements and desperate politicians have cashed in on the situation with the intent of destabilizing the All Progressives Congress (APC) Administration under our amiable leader, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at a time when steady progress and development is being recorded in all facets of human endeavours. 
 
4.         It is saddening to observe that even when the concerned unit was dismantled by the Inspector General of Police, the protest appeared to continue unabated. This must stop.    
 
5.         I am encouraged by the presence of the Chairman and Members of this all-important Commission of Enquiry whose appointments came without prior consultation. Your readiness to serve our country at all times demonstrates your statesmanship and love for the peace, stability, progress and development of not only Nasarawa State, but Nigeria as a whole.  
 
6.         Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, considering the issue at stake, eminent jurist and time-tested security and public administrators, among others were carefully selected to serve on this important Commission to ensure broad-based appraisal of the situation. I congratulate you, Mr. Chairman and Members of this Commission for earning the confidence and trust of the Government and people of Nasarawa State.  I also thank you for accepting to serve the State in this capacity.
 
7.         To carry out its assignment, the Commission of Enquiry will be guided by the following terms of reference:
i.            To receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra judicial killings;
 
ii.          To evaluate evidence and draw conclusions on validity of complaints; and
 
iii.        To recommend compensation and other remedial measures.
 
 
8.         The Commission is given six months from the date of its inaugural sitting to complete its assignment.  With the calibre of Members of this Commission, I believe that the Government and people of Nasarawa State and, indeed, the Nigerian Police Force will benefit immensely from your intellectual and professional wisdom.
 
9.         I wish to state for the records, our appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for the continued support it is giving to Nasarawa State Government in the area of maintenance of law and order.  No doubt, this robust relation we share with the Federal Government of Nigeria has made it possible for the State to benefit in the establishment of the following:
 
i.            A Special Joint Military Operations which was codenamed Ayum Kpatuma or Cat Race with the operation headquarters in Nasarawa State to take care of the entire North-central zone.
 
ii.         Operation Whirl Stroke Special Force, with its Command Headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State and operational bases in the States to address farmers herders conflict in the zone.
 
iii.       Establishment of 123 Special Force Battalion in Doma. The Barrack, which is fully operational is serving as the headquarters of the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command in the zone.
 
iv.       The establishment of two Military Super Camps at Mararaban-Udege in Nasarawa and Kanyehu in Toto Local Government Areas.
v.          Air Force Base in Lafia; and
 
vi.       The siting of the 38-Police Mobile Force, Akwanga; 58-PMF, Lafia, 69-PMF in Toto and Police Mobile Force Training College, Endeh Hills, Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of the State.
 
10.    It is our hope that this co-operation we have enjoyed from the Federal Government, Security Agencies and other critical stakeholders will not only be sustained, but extended to this all-important Commission of Enquiry and, indeed, other processes that will contribute to reform of the Nigerian Police and also bring about peace and stability in Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.
 
11.    At this juncture, I urge all and sundry to avail the Commission their maximum support and cooperation towards a successful assignment.
 
12.    In conclusion, Government wishes to appeal to the good people of Nasarawa State to continue to exercise restraint and live in peace with one another, so as we continue to live up to our status as a peaceful State.
 
13.    Finally, let me commend the Inspector General of Police for his foresight in instituting a new initiative in combating crime and criminality in the country tagged Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT).
 
14.    May God continue to protect Nasarawa State. 
 
15.    Thank you and may God bless us all.

NASARAWA SIGNS CONCESSION AGREEMENT WITH PRIVATE FIRM FOR $31.5m WASTE TO ENERGY PROJECT

Nasarawa State Government has signed a concession agreement with a private firm, Beacon Energy Development, for the setting up of a plant that will generate power from waste, estimated to cost $31.5m.

Representatives of the Nasarawa State Government, as well as management of the Beacon Energy Development, signed the agreement at a brief ceremony at the Government House, on Wednesday.

In a remark shortly after signing the agreement, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, expressed satisfaction that the waste to energy project fits perfectly with the development agenda of his administration.

Engineer Sule commended the Federal Government, as well as the Federal Ministry of Environment, for initiating and constructing the waste recycling facility in Auta Balefi and donating it to the Nasarawa State Government.

According to the Governor, the idea was for the state government to run the facility as a business but that has not been the case because as experience has shown, businesses ran by government always run into challenges.

Engineer Sule expressed appreciation that Beacon Energy Development, a company owned by a son of the state, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, is coming in to take over the facility for the generation of energy from waste.

“I am happy that our dear brother and his company, Beacon, have decided to join us and to take it over and run it under this PPP arrangement.

“That’s the part that makes me very happy, that we have been able to put this particular project into proper use,” the visibly elated Governor said.

Engineer Sule said the partnership is coming at a time when the need to address power challenges in the country and Nasarawa State has become paramount, especially that power is essential for any form of economic activity.

He however pointed out that sometimes to set a target is not enough but to follow up and implement that target, praying that parties to the agreement will implement the ideas behind the project so that it will be a legacy for both the firm and for his administration.

Earlier, MD/CEO of Beacon Energy Development, Dr. Angbazo said the concession has both local and international contents, involving a Swedish company, with the associated power generation capacity visualized for the project, enough to provide power to the industrial cluster already in place around Karu, with further possibility to attract more industries, cottage industries that youths and women can key into.

“We have a huge issue of sanitation and waste management in the country. We have taken a long term view of our state, of our country, of our community, particularly the youths and women. We have an opportunity to turn a problem into an economic engine,” he stated.

In an introductory remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment and Economic Planning, Barrister Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the project estimated at $31.5m, will entail designing, financing, building and operating the plant at Auta Balefi, which will be upgraded to an integrated municipal waste management facility for converting waste to energy.

HEALTH IS INDEED WEALTH AS PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CENTRES GETS DELIVERY OF N300m EQUIPMENT IN NASARAWA STATE


Over 700 Primary Health Care Centres across the thirteen local government areas of Nasarawa State have taken delivery of Hospital Equipment worth 300 million Naira for quality service delivery.

The hospital equipment were procured through the Federal Government World Bank Assisted Programme, Save One Million Lives in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Government.

Speaking during the distribution of the equipment to the Local Government Coordinators of Primary Health Care Centres in Lafia, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Mal. Isiyaku Abari said this is one of the major intervention by the state government to transform the health sector as well as to make it affordable and accessible to the people.

Abari maintained that, the intervention was the second under the administration of our amiable Governor Abdullahi Sule to transform the health sector.

He noted that the state government had carried out renovations in over 17 General and Specialist Hospitals in the state.

He urged the benefitting Local Government Heads of Primary Health Care Centres to ensure judicious use of the equipment as the state government would not hesitate to sanction any reported case of diversion of the items.

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Save One Million Lives, Nasarawa State, Sardauna Ali pointed out that the equipment would go a long way in reducing the rate of maternal and child mortality especially in the rural areas.

Ali gave the breakdown of the hospital equipment to include delivery beds, suction machines, mucus extractors, wall monitors, thermometers, trolleys, weighing scales and stethoscopes among others.

Musa Abdullahi
Ministry of Health

Engineer Sule wants Northern Nigeria CAN Chairman to intervene in lingering crisis between Tivs, Jukun

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has called on the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of Northern Nigeria (which includes the 19 Northern States and Abuja), Reverend Yakubu Pam, to extend his peace initiative in Southern Kaduna, to reconcile the Tivs of Benue State, with Jukuns in Taraba State.

Engineer Sule made the call while hosting Rev. Pam, who doubles as the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), at the Government House, on Monday.

The Governor specifically called on the Northern Nigeria CAN chairman, to convene a peace summit either in Benue or Taraba State, with a view to reconciling the warring Tiv and Jukun communities.

Engineer Sule offered to actively participate in the process in order to bring lasting peace to the two neighbouring states, which will in turn translate to peace in Nasarawa State.

While identifying peace as being vital to every aspect of development, the Governor emphasized that Nigeria and Nasarawa State, cannot afford not to have peace.

He said that explained the decision of his administration to make concerted effort to ensure lasting peace within the state and between neighbouring states.

Engineer Sule used the opportunity of the visit to commend Rev Pam on his recent peace initiative in Southern Kaduna, which has continued to witness incidences of banditry and communal clashes, stressing that he is willing to hold similar summit in Nasarawa State after that of either Benue or Taraba State.

The Governor however pleaded with the Northern Nigeria CAN Chairman, to seek to be part of those implementing the recommendations contained in the report from the peace summit in Southern Kaduna.

“Please Sir, it’s not just the report that you will hand over to Governor El-Rufai. Rather, the implementation of that report is more important than the report,” he stated.

Engineer Sule thereby impressed on Rev Pam on the need for him to continue with the process, so he can implement the recommendation, in order to bring enduring peace in Southern Kaduna.

On the CAN Chairman’s request for the government to sponsor more Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem, the Governor said Nasarawa will not perform less than last year, which earned the state recognition.

He showed appreciation to his Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, for the wonderful job he did to sanitize the Christian pilgrimage, as well as ensure cordial relationship between the state chapter of CAN and the Nasarawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

On the partnership for agricultural training for farmers in Israel, the Governor expressed readiness to partner with NCPC for some farmers from the state to be trained in Israel.

In his opening remarks, the Northern Nigeria CAN Chairman, commended the courage demonstrated by Engineer Sule when he chose to complete projects initiated by his predecessors, describing the feat as unusual.

Rev. Pam equally commended the Governor who on his assumption into office, convened a stakeholders meeting, reached out to neighbouring states, with a view to enacting a roadmap for peace, knowing that peace is essential.

He said the purpose of the visit was to show appreciation to the Governor, for allocating the highest number of seats to Christian pilgrims last year.

Rev. Pam however appealed to the Governor to further increase the number of seats for Christian pilgrims from the state, as according to him, the pilgrims are going to the holy land to pray for Nigeria and Nasarawa State to have peace.

The NCPC Executive Secretary was accompanied on the visit by top officials from the commission, the Nasarawa State CAN Chairman, Bishop Joseph Masin, Executive Secretary of the state Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. David Ayewa, among others.

BEHOLD THE NEW VIP LODGE!

HOW ENGINEER SULE IS BRINGING HIS PRIVATE SECTOR BACKGROUND TO ADD VALUE TO PUBLIC FACILITIES

If you once visited the Old VIP Lodge located off Shendam Road in the past, you will hardly recognize it now.

With the ongoing transformation of the facility, from a drain on scarce public funds, with government expending huge sums of money as maintenance, the New VIP Lodge, now a full fledge hotel, will appear to many as a view out of a high profile magazine, technicolour.

Of course, it will now become a money spinner for Nasarawa State.

The Old VIP, leased out to a private sector operator, now has world class facilities that can compete with similar hotels even in Lagos, where the idea was emulated.

This is yet another of the several other initiatives of the present administration led by our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, stemming from his background and experience as a major private sector player.

Engineer Sule inspected the progress of work at the NEW VIP Lodge, on Monday, ahead of its scheduled commissioning next month.

PRESS RELEASE

Council Boss Laud Governor A. A. Sule for His proactive action on security challenges and humanitarian gesture through providing relief materials to Dausu community that was distroyed by Banditary terrorising Toto LGA. The Executive Chairman Hon. Prince Nuhu Adamu Dauda made the declaration on 4th October, 2020 at Ohimege Of Opanda palace Umaisha while presenting the relief materials to HRH. Ohimege of Opanda Alh. Abdullahi Usman on behalf of the community. Chairman said the people of the area will remain ever grateful to His Excelleny, "If not for his proactive measures only God know what will have been our faith today, but thanks to God and His Excellency as nomalcy has formally been restored and economic activities is ongoing with no fear of the dare devil".

Receiving the items, His Royal Highness Alh. Usman thanks His Excellency through NASEMA for providing sucour to the people, and his recent security architecture which guarantee the safety of our people and their properties, he pleaded for people's support and loyalty to the government so that they will succeed in implementing more dividence of democracy to the people of the state.

In another related development, the Egbura National Development Association ( ENDA ) has donated 15 motor cycles to the security agents in the area. Presenting the motor cycle to the Executive chairman, the representative of ENDA welfare, finance and implementation committee, Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi said out of the fifteen (15) motorcycles, ten (10) are for Vigilantee Group of Nigeria ( VGN ) Toto LGA and five (5) was earlier donated to the military super camp situated at Kanyehu village in Toto LGA. This singular gesture is to express our appreciation for their gallant efforts in dislogging dreaded Darus-salam and bandits who were terrorising the Local Government.

He said ENDA as a body is pleased with this singular effort, we will as a body continue to partner with security agents in the area to secure a crime free Toto LGA. In addition to this, already Kenyehu - Uttu road linking to Kparekye Koton Karfe Local Government in Kogi stete grading is seriously ongoing, and semi model health facility is under construction and drilling of bore hole to ease the work of our gallant officers. This is what ENDA as body is doing for now, we are grateful to His Excellency and this is the only way to support his administration.

Prince Nuhu while expressing appreciation to ENDA urged other individuals, Philantrophies to support the government of Engr. A.A. Sule , for this shows the people's plights in terms of reciprocating the government gesture. Contributing, HRH applauded the ENDA, especailly for grading the Kenyehu - Uttu road. He appealed to His Excellency Eng'r. A. A. Sule to consider the Kenyehu - Uttu road construction as a major project as it is the shortest link between Nasarawa and Kogi state and one of the feeder road in the LGA.

FUMIGATION OF SCHOOLS BEGINS IN NASARAWA STATE AHEAD OF STUDENTS RESUMPTION

The Nasarawa State Government has begun the fumigation of 179 Secondary Schools and 1408 Public schools across the state ahead of reopening of schools.

The schools are expected to reopen for students on the 5th of this month after closure of schools for some months ago due to the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic.

The General Manager of Nasarawa State Environmental Protection Agency (NASEPA) Mr Iliyasu Yusuf Adeka said that the exercise was part of the measures put in place by the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule to combat termites and reptiles before students and pupils resumes after months of closure.

The General Manager said the chemicals (pesticides and herbicides) that are being apply would be environmental friendly and not harmful to human beings and that will also guarantee the safety of the children in their schools

He called on the principals and Headmasters of the schools to give necessary support needed to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

The General Manager who was together with the Director of Climate Change of the Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources Mrs Atinuke Chammang, visited schools in Obi, Aloshi, Adobu, Agwatashi, Keana and Awe to ensure smooth running of the exercise.

Abdullahi Ali Yerima Reporting���

INDEPENDENCE: NASARAWA ASSEMBLY PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON GOV. SULE.

Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has expressed its satisfaction with the leadership style of Gov. Abdullahi Sule in the last 16 months in office.

This , the assembly said was based on the good policies, programmes and projects being carrying out by the governor towards improving on the lives of the people of the state.

Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdulahi, the Speaker of the House gave the vote of confidence on the governor while speaking with newsmen on Wednesday in Lafia in comomeration of Nigeria at 60 and Nasarawa State at 24.

Balarabe Abdullahi said that the House passed a vote of confidence on the governor after assessing his administration's performance so far.

According to him, for the governor to continue with past administrations' projects and also initiated new ones, he has saved the state resources from wastages aside his open door policies and inclusive governance.

"Some of the projects he continued include Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet hall, Umaru Tanko Almakura Presidential Lodge, ongoing Lafia airport among others.

"He is doing well in protecting lives and Property of the people of the state, in tackling security challenges as the deployment of soldiers to the state to flush out bandits, kidnappers among others was as a result of his proactive steps taken.

"We are okay with His Excellency performance so far and we will continue to give the executive arm the much needed support and cooperation through passing bills and resolutions that will have positive impacts on the lives of our people," he said.

The state number three citizen said that Nigeria at 60 and Nasarawa at 24 is a time for reflection on where the nation and the state is coming from, the present status and where the people hope to be in the near future, stressing that despite challenges the day is worth celebrating as a nation and a state because the country and the state are not stagnants.

He urged citizens to continue to pray for the nation in general and the state to overcome emerging challenges and for sustainable peace as well as speedy development.

The speaker urged the people of the state and Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Sule's administrations to succeed.

LAND UTILIZATION AMAZES ME - GOV. SULE

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule expresses joy over the consideration of the Nigerian Army to acquire and cultivate over 620 hectares of land in Keffi Local Government Council of Nasarawa State.

The Governor believes that Nasarawa State being an agrarian state requires all the investment it can get from within and outside the state in the agricultural sector in order to boost the state revenue and above all provide job opportunities for the teeming populace in the state.

He explains that "Nasarawa will benefit in the areas of employment, areas of revenue which will come in the future, we can structure it in such a way that it is going to be mutually beneficial".

Governor Sule adds that "Nasarawa State has limited resources and we are doing the best we can to invest those resources where we feel they are going to yield some fruits for the State as well as the investors"

He assures that the government will look into all the requests by the delegations and will do the needful for the benefit of all.

The Governor then commends all the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff in providing Nasarawa with military formations to tackle all forms of criminality in the state as the government is poised at opening up the state for development.

"For us we are opening the entire state and we can't open the state say it's only for indigenes because we won't be able to get anywhere so we open it for people that will come in and show interest in our state" Gov Sule maintains.

Speaking earlier, Major General Alaibi said the Nigerian Army has seen the need to invest in Agriculture in order to provide an avenue for its serving and retired personnel to go into farming and the army found Nasarawa conducive.

Major General Alaibi stated that soil analysis has been conducted on the 620 hectares of land and has been found to be suitable for the cultivation of various arable crops and even fishery as well as honey production.

He added that the establishment of the farm will further beef security in the area considering the presence of military personnel.

Others who spoke during the courtesy visit to the Governor were Aligwo Chrysantos Chinedum of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps Cooperative, Investment and Credit Society, the Project Consultant of Berekete Family, Dr Iyke Ezeogu and Ibrahim Galadima of Walida Housing Estate who appealed for various support of government to actualize the take-off of their investments in Nasarawa State.

The groups are mostly into housing and are therefore asking the government to intervene in the area of road network among other infrastructures.

NASARAWA SETTING PROPER FOUNDATION FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION

The Nasarawa State government is setting up science schools to provide solid foundation for students willing to study science related courses at tertiary institutions.

Governor Abdullahi Sule stated this during a courtesy visit by the Nasarawa State Medical and Allied Students Association at Government House Lafia, Tuesday.

The Governor says the government is committed to provision of Solid educational foundation in order to produce competent hands that will man health facilities and industries that will be established in state.

He adds that "We have finished Lafia Science School, we are getting ready to equip it and we will go to the next one in Akwanga zone and another in Keffi zone so that you will have strong foundation to compete with those coming from other states".

Engineer Sule encouraged them to take there planned outreach programmes seriously as it gives them more practical training hence the need to consult with other experts on how to achieve success of the medical outreach.

He enjoined them to shun ethnic, religious and political differences in carrying out their programmes rather they should always see themselves as indigenes of Nasarawa State.

Governor Sule maintains that he will be excited to one day see members of the association who are students or graduates from Nasarawa state University Keffi and/or Federal University Lafia.

"Am looking forward to situation where I will see you treating some of us rather than traveling abroad to get medical attention". Engr Sule adds.

On his part, leader of the delegation, Kabiru Abdulkarim Obose while commending the efforts of the Governor in enhancing the standard of education in the state said they were in Government House Lafia to show their solidarity to the Governor and the government of the state.

Kabiru Obose explained that in a bid to support the fight against the dreaded coronavirus, they have visited some ministries, agencies and health facilities in the state.

The association is working toward carrying out a yearly medical outreach in collaboration with other medical practitioners in the state with emphasis on hepatitis and HIV.

His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule in his bid to ascertain the level of functional operations of government equipments and facilities in the state, today embarked on assessment visit to Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme, NADP Headquarter along Makurdi Road Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Monday, 28th September, 2020.

Engineer Sule approves employment for 30 doctors, 15 pharmacists, 70 nurses, 30 additional doctors, 15 pharmacists and pharmaceutical technicians, 70 nurses, as well as 50 medical laboratory technicians.

He equally gave approval for the employment of 35 health and information management officers, 40 health assistants, and 6 radiographers.

Engineer Sule disclosed this when he hosted the National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) at the Government House, on Thursday 17 Sept, 2020.

Ali Abare, SA Media to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State.