₦airaland Forum

WHY WE ARE RENOVATING SCIENCE SCHOOLS, says Engineer Sule

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has said that the state is deficient in the area of science and technology, WHICH is why his administration is concentrating on the renovation of science schools across the state.

Engineer Sule made this known after inspecting the newly renovated Government Science Secondary School Lafia, on Saturday.

According to the Governor, with education being key area of focus under his administration, it has become necessary to renovate science schools in the state, especially if the state must meet her demands for doctors, engineers, technologists, as well as all the skilled manpower required to man projects like the Lafia Cargo airport, among others.

“We have also noticed that one area of deficiency for us in Nasarawa State, is the area of science and technology. That is why we are looking at the area of science.

“That is why we are concentrating the effort. Now we are going to the two other senatorial zones to be able to upgrade their own science schools. We are going to have at least one science school in each senatorial zone,” Engineer Sule explained.

The Governor however disclosed that not a single kobo of Nasarawa State Government money was expended in renovating the entire GSSS Lafia, stressing that a few of his friends pooled resources together, to carry out the renovation work.

While expressing his appreciation to his friends for agreeing to give the school new lease of life, Engineer Sule added that the work saw the entire school; hostels, classrooms, dining hall, laboratories and administrative block, all wearing new looks.

“Because we have identified this institution as one of the three major science schools in the state, they decided they are going to carry out the complete renovation of the entire school,” the Governor stated.

Borrowing from his immediate predecessor, Engineer Sule said seeing is believing and that with the renovated GSSS Lafia for all to see, the people of Nasarawa State will know that his administration believes in education, especially science and technology.

Skills acquisition: Nasarawa govt disburses N20, 000 each to 150 women as start-up grant

Nasarawa State Government has empowered 150 women drawn from across the 13 local government of the state, with N20, 000 each, as start-up grant to enable them become self-reliant.

The women, who recently participated in a skills acquisition training in areas such as production of hand sanitizer, soap, perfume, bread making, cake baking, pomade and other various skills, are expected to set up their own businesses and to become employers of labour.

Disbursing the grants at a colourful ceremony at the Late Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall, on Tuesday, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, said he chose to personally participate in the event because of the need to encourage the participants to become employers of labour.

While announcing that the state government is empowering each of the trainees with N10000 to begin their own business, Engineer Sule made a commitment to personally give another N10000 to each of the beneficiaries, with a view to making the capital reasonable.

“I believe strongly that it’s necessary for our women to understand that it’s not only to empower you with this little money, but to make you also employers of labour,” the Governor said.

The Governor equally donated a bag of semovita each to the women.

Engineer Sule used the opportunity to reiterate the resolve of his administration to prioritize empowerment of women and youth in order to make them active players in the economic development of the state.

According to the Governor, empowering the women is also another way of cushioning the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the people of the state, thereby urging the beneficiaries to make good use of the grant at their disposal.

Some of the beneficiaries have already began to demonstrate their learnt skills as they displayed some of their products for all to see.

Engineer Sule also commended facilitator for the training, B-Innovation Integrated Limited, for collaborating with the state government in impacting basic skills for empowerment of women in the state, with a view to eradicating poverty, creating wealth and employment generation for the socioeconomic development.
Earlier, State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Halima Ahmadu Jabiru, while highlighting the benefits of the skills acquisition training for the women, commended the Governor for his support and commitment towards the welfare of women.

Dignitaries that witnessed the event include, the Nasarawa State First Lady, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule, members of the state executive council, Special Advisers, as well as the Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government.

Nasarawa State Government will soon embark on training of primary school teachers, in its bid to uplift the standard of education in the state.

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, disclosed this while delivering a speech on the occasion of the inauguration of the Chairman and members of the governing council of the College of Education Akwanga, on Thursday.

According to the Governor, a train-the-trainer programme for primary school teachers will commence before the end of September, being part of the recommendations of a technical committee that recently carried out a baseline survey of schools across the state.

While reiterating the commitment of his administration towards ensuring that children in primary schools access quality education as foundation for higher education, Engineer Sule stressed the need for competent teachers, as well as a review of primary school curriculum.

“This administration is determined to ensure that at least, in the primary school level, we pass onto our children an excellent foundation, so that they can start up from there,” he stated.

In this regard, the Governor urged the chairman and members of the governing council of the College of Education Akwanga, on the task ahead of them, especially that the institution will produce the kind of teachers required by the state, in line with the educational policy, philosophy and vision of his administration.

Recall that Engineer Sule, while receiving the report of the baseline survey from the technical committee headed by Professor Mohammed Isa Kida, vowed to uplift the standard of education in the state, adding that God will not forgive him, if after realising the inherent decay, he leaves office without doing anything.

Also recall that the technical committee, which undertook a survey of 1391 primary schools across the 13 local government areas of the state, disclosed that a large percentage of primary school teachers require training to be able to fit into the vision of the state government for education.

Engineer Sule commissions remodelled government house press centre

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has commissioned the remodelled Government House, stressing that the decision to give the centre a facelift was informed by the desire to provide conducive working environment for inhouse press crew.

Engineer Sule commissioned the press centre at the Government House, on Thursday.

While commending the media for its significant role in propagating activities of government, the Governor noted that support from the media during the past one year, has ensured that the people were adequately sensitized about the policies, programmes of his administration.

“I must say that without the support of the media, our development aspirations would not have been visible,” he stated.

According to Engineer Sule, the media has continued to set agenda in its determination to entrench an all-inclusive governance for the benefit of the people.

The Governor emphasized that his administration will continue to encourage working journalists in the state, towards the discharge of their responsibilities, urging them however, to remain guided by the ethics of the journalism profession.

Engineer Sule warned that government will not condone undue sensationalism, even as he stressed that his administration is open to constructive criticism in the effort to deliver on its mandate to the people of the state.

The Governor disclosed that the remodelling of the Government House Press Centre, was carried out at no cost to the government, as according to him, the centre was refurbished from his personal donation, alongside some of his friends.

“The remodelling of the press centre was not captured in the budget, as such some of my friends and I pooled resources together to give the place a facelift,” he explained.

Earlier, in a welcome remarks, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Addra, thanked his principal for promptly accepting to give the press centre a facelift.

Addra used the opportunity to appreciate working journalists in the state for being partners in the task of taking Nasarawa State to the next level of development.

Prominent dignitaries witnessed the unveiling of the remodelled press centre, including state Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Director General, Nigerian Television Authority, Mallam Yakubu Ibn Mohammed and members of the state executive council.

Others are heads of media organizations in the state, Lafia LGA and ALGON Chairman, Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), Andoma of Doma, HRH Alhaji Aliyu Ogah and top government functionaries.

GOVERNMENT OF NASARAWA STATE

SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, ENGR. ABDULLAHI A. SULE, GOVERNOR OF NASARAWA STATE ON THE OCCASION OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE COMMISSIONER/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND MEMBERS OF THE NASARAWA STATE BOUNDARY COMMISSION, AS WELL AS THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AKWANGA: THURSDAY, 3RD SEPTEMBER, 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. Principal Officers and Members of the State House of Assembly;

5. Members of the State Executive and Security Councils;

6. The Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State;

7. The Head of the Civil Service;

8. Special Advisers;

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

10. Permanent Secretaries;


11. Chairmen and Chief Executives of Commissions, Boards and Parastatals;


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

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

14. Your Royal Highnesses, Emirs and Chiefs;


15. My dear Appointees;

16. Prominent Sons and Daughters of Nasarawa State;

17. Gentlemen of the Press;

18. Ladies and Gentlemen.








It is with a sense of responsibility that I address you today on the occasion of the inauguration of:
i. Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer and Members of the Nasarawa State Boundary Commission; and
ii. Chairman and Members of the Governing Council of the College of Education, Akwanga.
2. As you are aware, Nasarawa State is centrally located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. It shares boundary with Kaduna State in the North, Plateau State in the East, Taraba and Benue States in the South, while Kogi and the largest boundary contiguous to the Federal Capital Territory in the West. This contiguity more often than not breeds friction and hostilities between our border communities.

3. In the same vein, we also have issues relating to boundaries of some Local Government Areas and even between towns, villages and communities in the same Local Government Area.

4. We have made concerted efforts at political level to moderate our boundary misunderstanding with our neighbouring Benue and, indeed, Taraba States through conduct of high level bilateral discussions aimed at resolving the challenges. As a practical solution to the lingering border disputes and disagreements, therefore, this Administration thought it expedient to reconstitute the State Boundary Commission.

5. It is our expectation that the inauguration of the Commissioner and Members of the Nasarawa State Boundary Commission today will assist the State towards resolving the internal disputes, ensure demarcation of boundary lines between Local Government Areas and within the Local Government Area where such issues exist. The Commission is also expected to establish synergy and collaboration with the National Boundary Commission towards resolving our long standing inter-State boundary disputes which will ensure the demarcation of the actual boundary between our neighbouring States. In executing its tasks, the Commission must engage itself into exhaustive research and appraisal of archival documents in this direction.

7. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as part of today’s event, we are also inaugurating the Governing Council of the State College of Education, Akwanga. You would recall that, in our determination to reposition the College following frequent industrial action in the institution, I inaugurated an Investigative Committee to look into the crisis and advise Government on how to resolve the persistent impasse once and for all. I am happy to note that Government has reviewed the Report of this Committee, hence the reconstitution of the Governing Council of the College of Education, Akwanga.

8. It is important to state that in carrying out its responsibility, the Governing Council is expected to liaise with the Interim Administrator and also study Government views and decisions of the previous panels, including the recent investigative committee report and ensure implementation of decisions contained therein. Similarly, the Council is to ensure that the vacancies that have been created in the management of the institution be filled within the shortest period of time to give the College the desired leadership for the realization of its mandate. I need to stress that this is to be carried out in line with the extant guidelines of the regulatory body of Colleges of Education and the Law establishing the institution.


9. My dear appointees, while congratulating you on your worthy appointments, I implore you to justify the confidence Government reposed in you. I call on you to bring your wealth of experience to bear on your respective responsibilities. I have no doubt that, given your pedigrees, you will initiate policies and programmes that will further enhance the delivery of service to the good people of Nasarawa State.


10. On this note, it is my honour to inaugurate the Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer and other Members of the Nasarawa State Boundary Commission, as well as the Governing Council, College of Education, Akwanga.

11. Thank you and may God bless us all.

Again, Engineer Sule commends Buhari, IGP for siting PMF training college in Nasarawa

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has again commended President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, for approving the establishment of the Police Mobile Force Training College in Nasarawa State.

Engineer Sule made the commendation while hosting pioneer trainees of the PMF Training College, Andehu, who were on a courtesy call at the Government House, on Tuesday.

The Governor described the setting up of the training school as apt, especially at a time when both the Federal Government and the President, as well as every well meaning Nigerian, are committed to saving lives and properties of the people.

Engineer Sule urged the trainees to continue to support the efforts of governments both at the federal and state levels, in order the make the country safe for everyone.

The Governor, who couldn’t hide his excitement hosting the first set of trainees of the PMF training college, used the opportunity of the visit to update them on the ongoing joint operations by troops under Operation Nutcracker, which led to the recent dislodging of bandits in parts of the state.

Engineer Sule noted that this great feat was coming as a result of the commitment of security agencies, including the police, towards security and ensuring safety of the people.

He urged security agencies in the country, to continue with the good work, stressing that by the grace of God, Nigeria will overcome all forms of criminals and criminalities.

Earlier, Commandant of the PMF Training College Andehu, DCP Ali Audu, disclosed that the trainees comprises of 78 squadron commanders drawn from PMF formations across the country, who will undergo a training tagged: “Combat Operation Course 2020.

According to the commandant, four days after the commissioning of the college, the IGP directed that the training commences, with the first set being the squadron commanders from across the country.

DCP further disclosed that the training is in line with the IGP’s vision of training and retraining, geared towards professionalism in the police, which is being reflected in the conduct of policemen all over the country.
He pointed out that though it’s a tradition in the police for squadron commanders undergoing training to visit a governor of their choice, this set of trainees decided to visit the Lafia Government House, in recognition of the tremendous role and support of the Governor towards ensuring security of lives and property.

“We have also examined your role in the emergence of the college and that is why we felt it’s necessary to start the visit with you,” the commandant said.

The delegation from the PMF Training College, were led on the courtesy visit by the Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Bola Longe and representative of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Mobile Police Force.

CHRONICLES OF ABDULLAHI A. SULE “EPISODE 10” REVEALS THE A.A. SULE MASTERPLAN FOR AGRICULTURE, WOMEN AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT:

The great physicist ALBERT EINSTEIN once said; “Imagination is more important than knowledge” because while knowledge can help you identify things and also make you understand things; it is imagination that will make you “see the world and show you how you can change the world.”

Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule is a governor who is blessed with both knowledge and imagination, and that's why he rises above politics, not only to disrupt the status quo but to ‘CHANGE AND TRANSFORM’ Nasarawa State for the greater good of generations unborn.

After 15 months of leadership that is innovative and futuristic, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule has focused his attention on attracting companies in the Agro-allied industrial sector.

The rationale of Engineer Sule is that Agro-allied industries can grow their raw materials locally in Nasarawa State. These is evident in the remarkable and groundbreaking successes he achieved with DANGOTE, FLOUR MILLS, AZMAN, NEWPAL and OLAM who are now fully established in Nasarawa State.

According to the NEDS (Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy) document, the competitive advantage of Nasarawa State are SOLID MINERALS, AGRICULTURE, POWER, TRANSPORT, INDUSTRY and TOURISM, HEALTH, EDUCATION and SECURITY and it is by harnessing these competitive advantages that government can create the desired enabling environment that will allow the private sector to thrive in Nasarawa State.

In applying himself to this ‘NEDS line of logic’, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule clearly recognizes that Nasarawa State is blessed with 2.7 million hectares of land, out of which 1 million hectares is arable and suitable to any form of agriculture. 

That is why he has positioned Agribusiness as ‘the key driver to his administration’s unique approach to industrialization’, creation of jobs and empowerment of youths and women in Nasarawa State.

It is true that Leadership isn’t rocket science, but to become a successful and effective leader isn’t easy or a cakewalk either.

There’s a certain scent in the air around people like Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule who carry the aura of true leadership.

That is why he “stands out” because Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule is doing the right things, at the right times, for the right reasons and with the right people; so as to produce the right results, in the right way.

We invite you to watch EPISODE 10 of CHRONICLES OF ABDULLAHI A. SULE: Listen, Learn and understand what it means for a leader to EXCEED ALL EXPECTATIONS!


Signed

Yakubu Lamai

DG: Strategic Communication & Events Management

1st September 2020

PUTTING QUALITY EDUCATION FIRST

Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule has once again graciously approved and released Funds for the Payment of Bursary allowance to sixty-five (65) students of Nasarawa State indigenes for 2018/2019 Academic Session (November batch) in Nigeria Law School Across the country.

The payment Shall commence on
Date : 1st - 3rd September,2020
Time:9:30am
Venue : Nasarawa State scholarship board, Ministry of Education Science and Technology Headquarters lafia .

REQUIREMENTS

1- All beneficiaries MUST adhere to all COVID 19 safety and preventive Protocol
2- Original Admission letter
3-Evidence of payment of school Fees receipt
4- Original Voter’s Card
5- One Recent Passport photograph

Signed :
Hon. Danlami O. Ikpobose CNA
(Dan-Malikin Obi )
Executive Secretary Nasarawa State Scholarship Board

Nasarawa executive council endorses establishment of bureau for rural development

The Nasarawa State executive council, has approved the establishment of the state’s Bureau for Rural Development, which will henceforth manage all rural infrastructure, including roads, electricity and water supply.

State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Dogo Shammah, disclosed this while briefing newsmen, shortly after the monthly executive council meeting, on Friday.

According to the Information Commissioner, the bureau will also regulate rural feeder roads, construct, upgrade and maintain rural feeder roads as well as water installations across the state, among other functions.

Highlighting on the resolutions taken by the council, Hon. Shammah, disclosed further that henceforth, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), must key into the digitisation information management, geared towards tracking performances of MDAs’ projects, policies and programmes implementation in order to meet up with global digital direction in area of information dissemination.

This, the commissioner said, is in line with the desire of the Engineer Abdullahi Sule administration to make Nasarawa State one among top three states of the federation with the enabling environment for investors.

NASIEC SAYS NO GOING BACK ON FEBRUARY 2021 LG ELECTION[color=#550000][/color] IN NASARAWA, AS IT RELEASES TIME TABLE NEXT WEEK.

Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) says there is no going back on the February 2021 local government election in the state.

The commission said it would release the election time table first week of September 2020.

This was the outcome of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on NASIEC visit to the commission in Lafia today,

Hon Mohammed Okpoku (APC-Udege/Loko), the Chairman, House Committee on NASIEC, who led other members of the committee on a courtesy visit to the democracy House said they were at the commission to know its readiness and preparedness ahead of the February 2021 local government election in the state.

Okpoku assured of the assembly's readiness to give the commission the necessary support to conduct free, fair and credible election in the state.

" We are here to know the level of your preparedness and readiness ahead of the 2021 local government election in the state.

" We are ready to support the commission to succeed and to conduct free, fair, and credible local government election in the state come February 2021, " he said.

The committee's chairman said that it would collaborate with the state government in order to ensure the success of the election.

Besides, Okpoku congratulated the commission's chairman for his nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari as Ambassador-designate.

Responding, Hon Henry John Omaku, the Chairman of the Commission thanked the committee for the visit and appreciated them for always supporting the activities of the commission.

" By God's grace, we are ready for the conduct of the local government election in February 2021.

" The election will hold as scheduled as the election notice will be released the first week of September 2020," he said.

The Chairman said that the commission has gotten the needed support from the state government ahead of the election.

" The local government election budget is less than N1 billion, " he said.

He assured of the free, fair, and credible election while soliciting for prayers and support from all and sundry to enable the commission to succeed.

If not for the unimaginable rate of poverty in Nigeria, this could have been the best moment for all tertiary institutions to go virtual.

Adopt the “Nasarawa Model” of election in an era of Covid 19 Pandemic, SGF Boss Mustapha advises states planning to hold elections

The federal Government has hailed the recently concluded state Assembly bye- election held in Nasarawa State.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha who praised the substantial compliance with the covid 19 protocol during the exercise advised other states to copy what he described as the “Nasarawa state model”.

The SGF spoke with correspondents after an interaction with the Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr. Mustapha described Engr. Sule’s leadership style in Nasarawa as innovative and full of ideas where promises are made and kept. He also commended the peace-building role of Governor Sule Nasarawa state and in resolving crises between neighbouring states of Benue and Taraba.

In his remarks, the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule thanked the Federal Government for its support to the State especially in its fight against insecurity and the Covid- 19 pandemic.


Ibrahim Addra
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
18/08/2020

BORDER DELINEATION: Engineer Sule constitutes state boundary commission

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has announced that the State Boundary Commission has been constituted, with a view to delineating proper boundary between the state and her neighbours.

Engineer Sule disclosed this while playing host to critical stakeholders from Keana Local Government Area, who were at the Government House to present a report on security and peace, on Monday.

The Governor said it has become necessary to constitute the state boundary commission because of the importance his administration attaches to ensuring lasting peace between Nasarawa State and her neighbours.

Engineer Sule added that the state government already met with officials of the National Boundary Commission, stressing that his administration is taking every step necessary to ensure proper delineation of boundary between the state and the neighbouring states of Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kogi and the FCT.

He further disclosed that the state boundary commission, which will be announced within the week, will be chaired by an individual from Keana.

Engineer Sule recalled his recent meeting with the Tiv community, where he called on them to be united, since it’s easier for government to negotiate with a united Tiv community.

The Governor expressed satisfaction that members of the Tiv community in the state presented their demands to the government.

“I told them what they are seeking for may take time, that its takes lobbying, unity and peace. That is how important it is for us to live with one another,” he stated.

Engineer Sule told the critical stakeholders, that Keana is not only important to the state but to the entire Northern Nigeria, following the discovery of oil in Keana, stressing that it is necessary that there is peace in Keana.

The Governor called for patience as commercial oil production and its benefits takes time, adding that his administration is making efforts to ensure that a legacy is left in place for children yet unborn.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Osana of Keana, HRH Alhaji Abdullahi Amegwa Agbo III, said the stakeholders were at the Government House, to present a report on two critical issues namely, security and peace.

The royal father used the opportunity to, on behalf of the stakeholders, show appreciation to the Governor for the wonderful job he has being doing in Keana and the state in general.

GOVERNMENT OF NASARAWA STATE


Speech Delivered by His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State on the occasion of the Commissioning of the Police Mobile Force Training College, Endeh Hills, Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nasarawa-Eggon: Wednesday, 12th August, 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, Nasarawa State;

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

5. Hon. Minister of Police Affairs;

6. Others Members of the Federal Executive Council here present;

7. The Inspector General of Police IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu;


8. Members of the State Executive and Security Councils;

9. The Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State;

10. The Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) of Police here present;

11. Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) of Police here present;

12. The Commissioners of Police (CPs) here present;

13. The Head of Civil Service;

14. Permanent Secretaries in the Service of Nasarawa State;

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

16. The Executive Chairmen of Local Government Councils and Overseers of Development Areas;

17. Chief Executives of Boards, Commissions and Parastatals, both Federal and States here present;

18. Your Royal Highnesses, Emirs and Chiefs;

19. Gentlemen of the Press;

20. Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am delighted to address you today on the occasion of the Commissioning of the Police Mobile Force Training College, Endeh Hills, Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

2. I warmly welcome the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi and entourage to this all-important event. Let me also specially welcome the Inspector-General of Police, our very own, IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu.

3. I also welcome the DIGs, AIGs, CPs and other Security Administrators to Nasarawa State. In the same vein, I acknowledge the presence of other critical stakeholders at this auspicious occasion.

4. Let me express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria for graciously approving the siting of the Police Mobile Force Training College in Nasarawa State. We remain grateful for this laudable project. Let me also commend the Inspector-General of Police for conceiving the idea of establishing this college, aimed at equipping the personnel with technical knowledge, as well as strengthening our collective efforts in curbing security challenges in the country.

5. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, prior to the advent of the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria witnessed monumental threat to national security. The coming on board of the present Administration has significantly degraded the activities of the Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, farmer/herder clashes among other sundry crises. However, it is pertinent to note that, in spite of this effort, we are witnessing the resurgence of criminal elements which necessitated the need to re-strategize towards combating the security challenges bedeviling our society.

6. It is my belief and conviction that the establishment of this college will serve as avenue for prospective participants to exchange ideas and share experience on modern trends of combating insecurity in the country. The college will also provide the needed platform for the appraisal of the security situation of the country and proffer workable solutions that will assist in entrenching a high-tech security system that will promote sustainable peace, stability and harmonious co-existence for socio-economic development of our country.

7. Let me take the liberty of this occasion to state that Nasarawa State has its own share of security challenges, which are majorly conflicts between herdsmen and farmers, kidnapping, rape, as well as communal clashes between ethnic groups. In recent time, Nasarawa State has been battling with the activities of the Islamic sect “Darul-Salam and Hakika” in Toto and Awe Local Government Areas of the State. More worrisome, is the kidnapping activities which has pervaded the rural areas and resulted to the killing of a Traditional Ruler of Odu community in Nasarawa Local Government Area.

8. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, in our commitment towards ensuring sustainable peace in the State in line with the initiative of the Inspector-General of Police on Community Policing, the Nasarawa State Government has inaugurated the Community Volunteer Guard (Vigilante) Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command with the Executive Chairmen of Local Government Areas, Traditional Rulers, opinion leaders, among other critical stakeholders as members.

9. I need to state that this Volunteer Guard is not a security outfit, but it has continued to serve as a veritable tool towards community policing and complements the role of our conventional security agencies in the State.

10. At this juncture, let me commend the efforts of the Federal Government for its continued support in the fight against insecurity, particularly, at this trying moment. I also appreciate the siting of the 38-Police Mobile Force, Akwanga; 58-PMF, Lafia and 69-PMF in Toto. Today, we are witnessing yet the commissioning of the Police Mobile Force Training College here in Endeh Hills, Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of the State.

11. Before concluding this address, let me commend the Inspector-General of Police for your commitment in making this project a reality. I assure you that this laudable achievement will be indelible in the sands of history. I also assure you that Nasarawa State Government will continue to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by providing the necessary logistics support to enhance effective operation in the fight against crimes and criminality in the State.

12. Thank you and may God bless us all.

GOVERNMENT OF NASARAWA STATE

Speech Delivered by His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State on the Occasion of Distribution of COVID-19 Palliatives to Vulnerable People in the State, Lafia: Tuesday, 11th August, 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. Principal Officers and Members of the State House of Assembly;

5. Members of the State Executive and Security Councils;

6. The Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State;

7. The Representatives of CACOVID;

8. The Head of the Civil Service;

9. Special Advisers;

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

11. Permanent Secretaries;

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

13. Chairmen and Chief Executives of Commissions, Boards and Parastatals;

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

15. Your Royal Highnesses, Emirs and Chiefs present;

16. Gentlemen of the Press;

17. Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is with a sense of responsibility that I address you today on the occasion of the distribution of food items as palliatives to the vulnerable people across the thirteen (13) Local Government Areas of the State.

2. You would recall that the Nasarawa State Government recently received essential commodities worth thirty-five (35) trucks of different food items from Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID), as part of its support to complement Government efforts in cushioning the effects of hunger in this period of COVID-19 pandemic.

3. I commend the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) and other philanthropists for this humanitarian gesture, aimed at assisting the less-privileged and vulnerable groups in the society. Indeed, this gesture is worthy of commendation.

4. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it would be recalled that Nasarawa State Government in its commitment to cushion the plight of our people during the lockdown period as a result of the need to control the spread of COVID-19, procured twelve (12) trucks of rice and distributed to the thirteen (13) Local Government Areas of the State. Similarly, the Olam Farms Ltd also donated one (1) truck of six hundred (600) bags of rice bringing the total to thirteen (13) trucks.

5. The distribution was carried out by a special Committee of Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, Local Government Council Chairmen and other appointees of Government. Today’s event is therefore in furtherance of our commitment to continue to provide succour to the vulnerable households and indeed, the poorest of the poor across the nooks and crannies of the State.

6. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me state that these commodities will be shared across the one thousand, four hundred and ninety-five (1,495) polling units in the State. It is important to note that these food items are to be shared to the poorest of the poor who have no source of income to cater for their daily needs. In this wise, salary earners, businessmen and other privileged people are exempted from this intervention.

7. It is pertinent to note that Government has re-strengthened the palliatives distribution Committees at the Local Government, wards and polling unit levels to ensure transparency in the distribution of the palliatives. Accordingly, the State Steering Committee on COVID-19 will ensure strict supervision and keen monitoring of the distribution process. I need to put on notice that the Palliative Committee at all levels will be held accountable for any anomaly in the distribution of the palliatives.

8. I, therefore, charge you to justify the confidence Government reposed in you by ensuring transparency and fairness in the distribution of these palliatives.

9. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, Government remained committed in the fight against COVID-19 in the State. In this vein, we will continue to enforce preventive measures with a view to protect our citizens from contracting the virus.

10. Let me use this opportunity to thank individuals and organizations, particularly the CACOVID for their immense contributions towards the fight against the virus. I assure you that Government will continue to support and complement the effort of individuals and groups in turning around the fortunes of our dear State.

11. On this note, it is now my pleasure to flag-off the distribution of food items donated by the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) to the vulnerable people across the thirteen (13) Local Government Areas of the State.

12. Thank you and may God bless us all.

END THE DOOM IN TOTO LOCAL GOVERNMENT NOW.

Life is precious, life is the most exceptional gift ever ceded by nature to man on earth.

Protecting the life is paramount, protecting life is the most salubrious act government can ever vow to actualise to her people. It is her fundamental obligations.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, the people of Toto Local Government had said;
10th July, 2020.

Toto Local Government has becomes a funeral ground on daily basis following the killings by unrevealed gunmen in the land.

Not a single location of the neighborhood is exempted from the scourge.

Since early last year 2019, there an evolvement of distinct scenarios of insecurity that had depredating Toto and environ, ranging from Kidnapping for ransom, Cold-blooded killings (banditry) and all sort of inconceivable breach of security resulting to loss of lives and properties of the local inhabitants.

The concerned and affected people of this neighborhood had time without number reached out to the salient authorities of all level in the state for salvation but all seems to be neglected and the horrid unabated.

This is indubitably pushing the dwellers of these locations to the wall.

The absence of peace in Toto Local Government will have an adverse economic, social and human development failure in the lives of the people of Toto and Nasarawa State spatiotemporal as the locals were been threatened not to engage in a farming activities for the running year.

The people of Toto keeps saying that the government was only toying in all its approach in the issue of insecurity in Toto Local Government.

People keeps dying at every ding-dong but the government were inactive.

It came as a surprise to the people of Toto Local Government an obscene press briefing by the Executive Governor of our dear State during the democracy day speech pronouncing that normalcy had returned to Toto Local Government Council.

Sir, AYIKWU EGBIRA ONOBIHUN as a body representing the good people of Toto and encircle does not aligned or what so ever where the information stemed out and presented to you.

In Kokoto, three (3) persons were abducted on the Saturday 13th June, 2020, which the abductees were fortunate enough to get recaptured by the community members who placed a track instantly.

Before that incident, on the 28th April 2020 Alh. Ahmed Usman Onairo, a prince in Opanda kingdom and D.P.M. in position, the most hierarchy personality in Umaisha Development Area was kidnapped in his country home in Toto alongside his son. He was later released with the son after weighty bargaining.

If such personality has become defenceless in a society, come to talk of common masses who has no much security watchover.

On the 1st May, 2020 in Toto town, Nine (9) people who are working with a timber contractor were abducted and subsequently murdered by their captors.

On the 6th May, 2020 a car was attacked and two (2) people were abducted along Umaisha - Ugya road, four (4) killed instantly including a woman. Ransom was paid before the abductees were freed.

A day later, 7th May, 2020 there a spike tendency hitted on a moving car which one (1) life was claimed between Sofiyo and Ugya town.

16th May, 2020 was another conceal attack on Kolo locals where eight ( people were headed to the bush on hostage.

The neighbourhood were seemingly astounded as the atrocities happening in a series as if there were no security presence in the vicinity.

The abductees were let go after payment of ransom.
The village was revisited by these evil doers on the same mission, four (4) persons nabbed as hostage but fortunately the villagers took a prompt trail to liberate the victims.

In all these roll dated incidences, Where? When? and How had the calmness returned to Toto Local Government?.

In Toto, on the 16th June, 2020 a woman and four (4) other children were held captive for over three weeks, the woman was later freed after ransom of N2m while the children yet to regain their freedom because more ransom is been imposed.

Recently, two young ladies and a young man being kidnapped in Umaisha for several weeks, they were subsequently leased with gunshots on each of their legs after taken the ransom.

Till this minute, there's this scenario of pulling trigger on commuters from Umaisha to Toto which the victims would either get killed, get mangled with gun wounds or narrowly escaping the attack.

A recent befall being 08 July, 2020 in Umaisha, two (2) brothers were shot, killed and held two in captive which the whereabouts of the victims isn't known to the public yet.

These are just a cumshaws among the recent inherent in the environ.

People keeps dying day in day out and the government is either folding her arms forsaking the aspect of security in the custody of the masses.

We call on the government at all level and the pertinent stakeholders in Nasarawa State and the Federal Government to rise to this task in dealing with this menace to a deadlock.

No peace in Toto yet, any information confirming to the government that peremptory peace had returned to Toto is malicious, abrupt lies, deceitful and just a ploy to shield the attention of the government from noticing the evil omen fashioning in Toto and to also get people of Toto discontented, troubled and or flee out of their ancestral land.

We are challenging the government in this dreaded happening in Toto to act, act prudently and fast.
If our votes matters then let our lives matters more to the government.

We shouldn't be ballot friendly but stumped after the election.

We said; ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, we are shoved to the wall.

If government had laid and forsaken every security architecture and the tactics in the hands of the masses, then let the government let the people of Toto know before we are outrightly wiped out of our ancestral land.

This calls for government concerned, this calls for government to take drastic measures in taking the bull by the horns.

SIGNED;
AYIKWU EGBIRA ONOBIHUN.
Toto LG.

Nasarawa to partner tailors association to train 1,300 youths on tailoring

Nasarawa State Government said it will collaborate with the Tailors Association of Nigeria (TAN), to train 1300 youths from across the state, 100 each from each of the 13 local government areas.

The State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, disclosed this while hosting members of the TAN who came on a courtesy call at the Government House, on Tuesday.

Engineer Sule said his administration is willing to collaborate with any group or association that is seeking to promote self reliance through skills acquisition, especially for Women and youths.

The Governor commended members of the Tailors Association of Nigeria, for recognizing the significant role they play in the society, especially with their decision to support the efforts of government by their decision to train 100 youths from each of the 13 local government areas of the state.

Engineer Sule said government will collaborate with the association on the training, stressing that his administration is willing to provide sewing machines to some of the trainees, in order for them to set up their businesses.

He promised that his administration will carry along members of the tailoring association in government activities, while thanking them for their support.

Engineer Sule promised to support the TAN host its national conference in the state.

In his opening remarks, Nasarawa State President of TAN, Abubakar Sufuyan, disclosed that the association has decided to support the effort of government towards the provision of employment by training 100 youths each from across the 13 local government areas.

Sufuyan expressed gratitude for the Governor agreeing to host members of the tailoring association, as according to him, this was the first time members of the association are being hosted at the Government House since the creation of the state.

He solicited for the support of the state government for the association to host the TAN annual Congress in Nasarawa, as according to him, hosting such national events will bring lots of opportunities to the state.

The TAN, Nasarawa State chapter thereafter appointed Engineer Sule its Grand Patron.

It was awarded some years back and it only goes from bad to worse

WE ARE CALLING ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO RE-AWARD THE CONTRACT FOR ABAJI-KEFFI ROAD

Abaji - Toto - Nasarawa - Keffi Federal Road is in a worrisome and dilapidated state.

No bridge in this Highway can stand for another two years without being washed away by flood.

The only Federal Highway that reduces FCT-Abuja traffic.

Commuters from North-East, and part of North-Central use this road to travel to the South-West, South-East, and South-South.

With the completion of Oweto bridge in Loko-Nasarawa Local Government, travelers from South-East find it very easy to move in and out of the Federal Capital. This has not been easy with the present situation of the road.

Nasarawa being one of the major producers of food consumed by the inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory, the robust commercial activities in the capital city would suffer greater loss if the scenario persists.

The reason for increasing insecurity in the Area cannot be disconnected from the bad nature of this road.

One cannot exhaust the list of benefits and setbacks associated with this menace.

Please save our livelihoods ���

FLAG-OFF FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT IN NASARAWA STATE

His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State Flag-off the Distribution of Hospital Equipment (SOML 2020 Intervention) to Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres today in Lafia, Wednesday, 29th July, 2020.

The Governor while distributing the Equipment to the General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres
across the three (3) senatorial zones of the State, stated that the event is in compliance with Saving One Million Lives programme initiated by the Federal Government to expand access to essential primary healthcare services for women and children.


His Excellency mentioned that since the domestication of the programme, the state have made significant strides which facilitated the renovation of sixty-seven (67) Primary Healthcare Centres and eleven (11) General Hospitals across the State. In the same vein, two (2) Service Delivery Points in Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, as well as the Central Medical Store, Lafia were upgraded.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER TURNED TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER: Nasarawa State Under Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule.

Transformational Leadership has been defined as "a leadership style in which leaders encourage, inspire and motivate followers to innovate and create change that would in turn help grow and shape the future of a society". Bernard A. Bass highlighted four salient elements of Transformational Leadership as: intellectual stimulation, idealized influence, individualized consideration and inspirational motivation. A transformational leader must therefore possess the ability to: develop a vision for the future and map out strategies to get there; make difficult decisions in times of crisis and to sacrifice for the greater good; take the right risks and entertain innovativeness and new ideas; adapt to changing realities; and generally be able to manage human and material resources towards attaining societal goals. The end of transformational leadership is the attainment of growth, sustainable social transformation and development.

Nasarawa State over the years has had a roller-coaster sort of experience as far as transformational leadership is concerned. Lots of vicissitudes have characterised past regimes. Beginning with the military administration of 1996, at its creation by the then head of state, the late General Sani Abacha, a foundational period in its history, it can be argued that the required foundations needed to be laid at this point were missed. With its capital sited in Lafia, a humid, largely agrarian society in the suburbs and averagely commerce inclined at the metropolis, not much was expected of the military due to the near absence of tools and institutions that should ensure accountabily in governmental dealings. The erstwhile military governments, like a host of others across country, had unfettered times squandering public resources and plummeting the then nascent state into squalor. The re-emergence of democracy in 1999 came with a ray of hope, largely because of the notions of freedom and accountability democracy naturally promises. Down the years, whether democratic governments have successfully and effectively lifted the fortunes of the state from those of squalor to those of prosperity for the highest possible number, in the light of available resources, still remains a matter of diverse shades of opinions in public discourses.

Today, the state, like many others across the country, is described as a Civil Service State. This nomenclature is owing to the fact that the interplay of the forces of demand and supply which are the main drivers of free economies, which Nasarawa State's is, is largely dependent on the spendings derived from the earnings of its workforce in the public service. Simply put, a large chunk of the money that circulates in the State and in turn propels the economy flows from the earnings of civil servants. This state of affairs has not augured well for strength of the State's economy over the years, dearth of public infrastructure been the most manifest.
Being a Civil service state, it goes without saying that it's wage bill would naturally be the biggest consumer of government revenue. This alone, without belaboring other equally vital factors, could lucidly explain the huge and dire infrastructural deficit that bedeviles the state. These deficits range from education infrastructure deficits, health infrastructure deficits, transportation infrastructure deficits, human resource development deficit, and a retinue of other such deficits.
It became direly necessary therefore, for this morbid narrative to take a turn for the better. It is trite to say that only a change-inclined, clear-headed and forward looking leadership could be hoped to chart this course. This is because political leadership alone could wield the constitutional powers and authority of state to harness, manage and appropriate onto respective sectors the scarce resources at government's disposal, towards realizing the developmental aspirations of the people. Leadership therefore is sacrosanct to development, it is almost divine.

The year 2019 would go down as an epoch in the annals of the State's history. This is so for two very important reasons. First, it's a year which witnessed the election of a man many have come to describe as 'a breath of fresh air, to lead the state into the future. It was a popular choice with the highest possible margin of votes cast in elections of such a nature, with courts at different levels affirming the voices of the people. With campaign rhetorics that majored on industrialization, an aspect of the State's economy that had received no systematic and deliberate attention in the past, yet it is the nucleus of growth and development I any society, it was little wonder that these rhetorics resonated with men and women of goodwill who would love to see a more prosperous and economically viable state, a state that lifts its people from the dungeon of poverty and is able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its peers in the commity of states.
Secondly, it is the first time leadership would take a strategic and deliberate approach to governmental actions as opposed to arbitrariness and impulsiveness in discharging the responsibilities of governance. The Nasarawa Economic Development Stragety document, a well articulated and all-encompassing road-map for growth and development presented by the government as a well thought through medium term plan of action that would set the trajectory of actions and strides in the duration of the government's first term in office. A perusal of the document shows that there is literally no aspect of the State's economy which is not succinctly and sufficiently studied and captured with action plans spelt and mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating actions of persons and institutions as they drive the implementation of public policy. Issues around evolutionizing the agric sector, the mainstay of the State's economy; promoting a technology driven state; attracting private sector participation in the State's investment and business space through ensuring ease of doing business; bridging key infrastructure deficits, are the highlights of the governments drive for growth as spelt out in the document. Judging from Its content, it is amazing to see the clarity of purpose with which the Engr Sule led administration had set out to discharge its duties. The goal, as gleaned from the document, is to set the state amongst the three most industrialized states in the country by 2023. As inordinately ambitious as these ideals may appear, in the past few months since its inauguration, efforts were not spared in making good these promises, after all, nothing great can ever be achieved without ambition.

As a result of aggressive efforts at implementation, the Agric sector is already witnessing massive interests and investments of monumental proportions. It is no longer news that such big-time players in the sector such as the Azman Group and the Dangote group have moved in to invest hugely in the rice and sugarcane farming and processing value-chain. The ripple effect of these developments would be felt directly in areas of youth employment generation. This is because youths in the state would naturally be drawn into participating in the diverse opportunities that would be thrown up in the value chain. The wealth that would ensue and the attendant impact on the State's economy cannot be downplayed.
To cater for the emerging opportunities these developments would throw up, the government didnt spare resources in providing the needed infrastructure as an enabler for the private sector to flourish seemlessly. Road infrastructures, Notwithstanding the lean resources available to government, continue to witness extensive expansion especially at the rural areas, the Agric hub of the state with their huge potentials. Feeder-roads are proactively undergoing construction in key parts of the state. The Sisinbaki-Kwara 15km road located in Wamba, a road nearly completed, amongst other locations across the state, is one such important infrastructure.

Crucial projects like the Bus terminals at Lafia and Karu embarked on by the government, are assets that would not only bring sanity to these important urban cities, they would also impact positively on the government's internally generated revenue thereby making available to government, more resources for service delivery to the people.

The Governor's early decision to go ahead with erstwhile abandoned and uncompleted projects commenced by his predecessors within the context of available resources, has proven to be quite popular and pleasantly acceptable to the public. The Cargo airport sited at Kwandere has since received the Governor's nod to be expanded to meet international standards of such airports as reported by the government's media team. Of particular interest, is the completion of the now Aliyu Akwe Doma hall within the precincts of the government house. To the undiscerning mind, such a project is elitist and may not have a direct impact on the life of the ordinary man in the street. But, when viewed from the perspective of the huge millions of naira that would be saved overtime in the form of costs of renting private halls for public/official events and the channeling of this funds, to service delivery for the people; the scales fall off the eyes and the wisdom behind the completion of this all-important hall becomes apparent.

Engr Abdullahi A Sule has proven to be a witty and tactful lobbyist. The attention of the Federal government towards Nasarawa State has been on an upward trajectory in recent times, thanks to the engagements of the Governor with the President of the Federal Republic on the State's need for key interventions in some areas. The Farin-Ruwa hydropower project recently approved by the Federal Executive Council to the tune of over 8billion naira and taken over by the federal government, a project started since the year 2000; the siting of a police training facility at the Eggon hills in Nasarawa Eggon local government; the establishment of an airforce base at Kwandere as a panacea to the spate of insecurity in the State are among the fruits of the Governor's efforts at lobbying the federal government to site projects within the state.

The government's disdain for acts of pilfering public purse, wastefness and general corruption leaves no one in doubt. Whether a leader is poised to or merely paying lip-service could be viewed and understood from his institutional approach to the problem. Engr. Abdullahi A Sule, with the passage by the State's Assembly of an executive bill into Law, and the subsequent establishment of the Nasarawa State Public Procurement Bureau pursuant to the enabling Law, has left no one in doubt about the place of prudence and probity in his dealings as Governor. This is better appreciated when we consider that in the past, we have had laws enacted to ensure probity in the handling of government expenditure which only ended on the pages of the statute books with no further steps taken. An example is the Nasarawa State Fiscal Responsibility Law passed by the legislature and provided for the establishment of the Nasarawa State Fiscal Responsibility Commission, this was not to be done. 90% or more of government activities Centre around procurement, of goods and services. The need for a strong institution to ensure probity and accountability in that sector is as important as the government itself. Indeed, with the swift establishment of the Public Procurement Bureau, a body set to ensure government gets the best out of its procurement activities, posterity would judge this government kindly. This is a legacy that would long outlive this administration. To some of us, it is one step taken by this government that is both unmatched and like no other. This is because it is a bold and courageous effort at institutionalizing cost-efficiency and effectiveness in government procurements.

It may be required, for an opinion like this one to assume a balance by equally highlighting areas where improvements could be made for the overall success of an administration that already holds alot of positive promises. In my considered view, it may be early in the day to put up such observations. It is a four year term scarcely was a year expended about a month or two ago. There is therefore so much yet to unfold. My prayers always is for the Governor to succeed in his drive towards developing a better Nasarawa State. His success is our collective success otherwise, we would have equally failed collectively.

Makpa Malla is a Lawyer, public affairs analyst, entrepreneur and he writes from Wamba, Nasarawa State.

TOTAL BREAK of Kurudu, Nasarawa Local Government bridge, along Abaji - Nasarawa Federal Highway in the early hours of today left travellers stranded at both ends.

We are calling on the Federal Government, Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Nasarawa State Government and other relevant stakeholders to as a matter of National Interest save us from further dangers posed on the occupants and travellers.

Sallah festival is right beside us, people are going out in mass in order to get little things to celebrate with. This situation however, will terribly deter people far from being normal. Considering the fact that businesses were almost shot down from the long term pandemic lockdown. We solicit for immediate temporary bridge as alternative in the area to provide succour.

The Advocate for Good Governance

FISH OUT CRIMINAL ELEMENTS IN YOUR DOMAIN -ENGINEER SULE TO TRADITIONAL RULERS

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has sought for the cooperation of traditional rulers across the state, to assist security agents in fishing out criminal elements in the society.

Engineer Sule made the appeal during a meeting with all graded traditional rulers in the state, Fulani community leaders and security agents in attendance, which held at the Government House, on Wednesday.

The Governor, while underscoring the significant roles traditional rulers play in the society, expressed confidence that with the support of the royal fathers, coupled with their understanding of the society, they will be able to assist security agents fish out those people who are not interested in peace and who engage in criminal activities such as kidnapping and banditry.

Engineer Sule noted that the coming together of the traditional rulers to brainstorm on the important issue of security, is an indication that the administration’s desire to properly place the royal fathers in the society, is coming to fruition.

While describing the royal fathers, who are the custodians of culture, as “agents of peace, unity and progress”, the Governor pleaded for more support from the traditional rulers, stressing that with his administration’s thrust in the areas of investment and investors, business will only come into the state if there is peace.

Engineer Sule used the opportunity to show appreciation to the traditional rulers for their continued support in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, urging them to sustain ongoing awareness campaign on the need to observe all WHO protocol to curb further spread of COVID-19.

Earlier, in a remark, Commandant, Nigeria Army Special Forces Doma, Major General Maude Gadzama Ali, urged the traditional rulers and especially Fulani community leaders, to cooperate with security agents in the state posted to ensure lasting peace.

The commandant warned that the special forces will not hesitate to deal with any person found aiding criminal activities, especially with the command’s mandate including curbing banditry and kidnapping.

In a welcome address, the Emir of Lafia and Chief Convener of the meeting, HRH, Justice Sidi Bage, explained that the meeting became necessary following increase in the spade of banditry and kidnapping in the state.

The royal father, who doubles as the Chairman, Nasarawa State Traditional Council of Chiefs, said the meeting was summoned to tell each other the truth, discuss openly and to find lasting solutions to the issues at stake.

Other functionaries that attended the meeting include, the State Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko and the Sarkin Fulanin Nasarawa, Senator Walid Jibrin, among others.

NASARAWA STATE GOVERNMENT

Speech Delivered by His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, on the Occasion of the Inauguration of the State Technical and Expatriate Monitoring Committees, Lafia: Tuesday 14th July, 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. Principal Officers and Members of the State House of Assembly;

5. Members of the State Executive and Security Councils;

6. The Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State;

7. The Head of the Civil Service;

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

9. Special Advisers;

10. Permanent Secretaries;

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

12. Chairmen and Chief Executives of Commissions, Boards and Parastatals;

13. The Executive Chairmen of Local Government Councils and overseers of Development Areas here present;

14. Your Royal Highnesses, Emirs and Chiefs here present;

15. The President of COREN, Engr. Aliyu Rabiu Maisuya,;
16. Other Officials and Members of COREN;
17. Gentlemen of the Press;
18. Ladies and Gentlemen.



It is with gratitude to Almighty God that I address you today on the occasion of the Inauguration of the Nasarawa State Technical Committee and the Nasarawa State Expatriate Monitoring Committee on Engineering Regulations and Monitoring (ERM).
2. As you are aware, Engineering is the fulcrum for all meaningful development and considering the policy direction of this Administration on infrastructural development, this occasion is apt and timely.

3. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in view of the emerging challenges of building collapse in the country, with attendant effects on human lives and property, it becomes incumbent on Government to evolve strategies to address this phenomenon. Accordingly, we constituted these Committees to guide against the unfortunate situation.

4. I need to state that members of these Committees were selected based on their records of experience, commitment, dedication, hard work, professionalism, patriotism and pedigrees. I charge you, therefore, to live above board and justify Government confidence reposed in you. You must carry out your assignment with due diligence, devoid of any sentiment or favouritism.

5. In carrying its responsibilities, the Committees are to be guided by the following terms of reference:
i. To locate, document Organisations and personnel and report to Registrar;

ii. To verify and monitor the professional competence of Works Approval Officers;

iii. To act as COREN watchdogs on maintenance, upholding Engineering codes of practice in public works, prohibit default and ensure that all such works are in accordance with Engineering design and specification by Registered Engineer;

iv. To verify that all organisations working in the area of Engineering contracting have at least an active Registered Engineer on their Board of Directors;

v. To observe and report cases of non-adherence to approved Engineering Codes of Practice in respect of Public and Private works to the Registrar;

vi. To report all defaulters and contravention of COREN ACT to the Registrar;

vii. To verify that all Engineering Practitioners (local and foreign) in the Engineering Organisations have valid COREN Practicing License.

6. Let me reiterate that in carrying out engineering projects in Nasarawa State, there will be no tolerance for quackery. In the same token, no Engineer will be allowed to supervise any project except duly registered by COREN and possesses appropriate practicing license which shall be a condition for prequalification by all companies assigned to carry out engineering projects in the State. In this wise, I urge the Committees to come up with stringent regulations that will guide the ethics and practices of the profession, as well as adherence to project specifications.

7. I need to commend the Engineering Regulations Monitoring (ERM) for the choice of Nasarawa as the pioneer State to inaugurate the programme among the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation. This will go a long way in adding value for money in engineering projects. I, therefore, assure you of Government continued support in providing conducive environment to enable the Engineering profession achieve its noble objectives of entrenching standards for quality delivery of projects.

8. Ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, the world today is faced with the Coronavirus pandemic otherwise known as COVID-19 which has shut down the world economy. The number of infected persons kept increasing on daily basis, particularly in Nigeria. It is for this reason that we have evolved measures in order to control and contain the spread of this virus in Nasarawa State. The measures may be difficult for the residents but it remain the best approach to curb the spread of the pandemic. I appeal to all and sundry to adhere strictly to the measures imposed towards reducing the spread of the disease in the State.

9. On this note, it is now my pleasure to inaugurate the Committees on the Nasarawa State Technical Committee and the Nasarawa State Expatriate Monitoring Committee in the State.

10. Thank you and may God bless us all.

NASARAWA TO CONVERT OLD DEPUTY GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE TO BPP OFFICE

Plans are underway to convert the old Deputy Governor's residence to the office of the newly created Nasarawa State Bureau for Public Procurement (NSBPP).

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, disclosed this shortly after inspecting the old Deputy Governor's residence located within the Project Quarters, on Monday.

Engineer Sule inspected the facility in company of the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, as well as the Director General of the NSBPP, Dr. Dominic Bako, among other top government officials.

According to the Governor, his administration has no intention to abandon any government property, stressing that government will revive such properties, particular a prime property that was the residence of the number two citizen of the state.

Engineer Sule disclosed further that government will find use for the property by converting it to host the office of the NSBPP.

"We will not abandon any government property, especially such a prime property. We will have to revive it and bring it back to life.

"We have a very special office that was recently created and this could be an excellent, secluded, quite and prime area that such an office can occupy," the Governor stated.

Engineer Sule promised that in the next five or six weeks, the residence, which was last occupies by former deputy governor, Mr Damishi Barau Luka, during the past administration of Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura, will wear a new look.

THE GOVERNOR OF NASARAWA STATE AND THE CONJOINED TWIN AT FMC KEFFI.

By:Abdullahi Tanko Maiyaki.

His Excellency engineer A.A.Sule in one of his early visit after inauguration on 29th may,2019 was at federal medical centre Keffi.

The patients and most medical personnel then were taken by suprised by his unscheduled visit at the medical centre to many.

The thinking of those who saw him was that,his Excellency was at FMC to see a patient friend or a family member who was hospitalised.

In his surprising and compassionate manner,he was at FMC to render humanitarian assistance to seperate a conjoined twins who needed a help.His Excellency,engineer Abdullahi Suleiman Dole out a whopping sum of N10m to the centre.

Today,13th July,2020 at FMC keffi,the conjoined twins were seperated successfully.

Please,glory be to Allah who made the operation easy and successful,sametime commend his Excellency for his concerns and willingness to attend to all kind of complicated issues relentlessly.

More grease to elbow the medical team and the governor of Nasarawa state,engineer A.A.Sule.

Thank you all!

ENGINEER SULE PROPOSES SUMMIT FOR YOUTHS TO HARNESS THEIR POTENTIALS

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule has made case for an annual youth summit where youths from across the state will come together to showcase their potentials, as well as highlight their challenges.

Engineer Sule made this known during a one-day interactive session with various youths organizations under the aegis of the Nigerian Youth Council (NYC), at the Government House, on Tuesday.

The Governor, while highlighting some of the efforts of his administration to develop the state, said the intended summit will provide an opportunity where the youths will market their potentials, identify their challenges and suggest solutions on the way forward, amongst others.

Engineer Sule assured the youths that his administration will carry them along, stressing that there is no way government will succeed without the youths.

According to the Governor, if the youths are able to identify their potentials during the planned summit, the state government will take it further by inviting persons outside the state who have capacity to train and develop the youths, towards preparing them for leadership.

He explained that because of the significance his administration places on youth development and at inception, a vibrant youth, Barrister Ibrahim Abdullahi, was identified and appointed in a key position as Special Adviser on Investment.

"One of the key appointments that a lot of you don't pay attention, is the economic development and investment of our state.

"The future of this country, the future of the global economy, rests with economic empowerment, economic growth, investment opportunities and industrialization," he stated.

Commenting on the issue of security, Engineer Sule expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as all the security agencies, for their continuous support, which explains the prevailing peace recorded in the state.

The Governor however pointed out that though security remains a major challenge, it still remains the foundation for some of the successes recorded by his administration.

He used the opportunity to update the people of the state on the recent kidnapping of over 30 people in Loko area, disclosing that so far, 23 of the kidnap victims have been released.

While noting that challenges in the security sector are continuous, the Governor revealed that while the process of securing the Loko kidnap victims was ongoing, unknown gunmen kidnapped another 10 people in Tunga Bakodo area, with efforts ongoing to rescue them.

Speaking on efforts of his administration to further reposition education which Engineer Sule described as pivotal to all development, the Governor said there is lot of work to be done in the sector, citing an example from the report of the baseline survey of public schools in the state, which shows that of the 1,350 primary schools, 1,200 are in dilapidated condition.

Earlier, Special Adviser on Youth Development, Hon. Yakubu Kwanta, x-rayed some of the interventions put in place by the present administration to better the lot of the youths in the state.

Hon. Kwanta challenges the youths to see the interaction as an opportunity to open up before the Governor and say their minds on issues bothering them.

In a communique issued at the end of the interactive session, signed by representatives from 8 youth organizations from across the state, the youths commended the Governor for being youth friendly, as well as his demonstrated zeal to take Nasarawa State to the next level of development.

They equally commended Engineer Sule for the measures taken by the state government to contain and control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Those who attended the interactive session include the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Othman B. Adam, the Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Barrister Ubandoma Aliyu, among other top government officials.

PRESS STATEMENT:

GOVERNOR SULE VISITS NASARAWA LAND ASSET IN ASO PANDA:

In his usual meticulous approach to Economic planning for greater prosperity, Governor Abdullahi A Sule of Nasarawa State today visited a 74 Hectares piece of land strategically located on the fringe of the FCT, in company of the Director General NAGIS, Mr Sonny Agassi.

The purose of Governor Sule's visit was to explore how best Nasarawa State can utilize this land asset for development of residences and business.

In the course of his visit, Engineer Sule carefully inspected this Nasarawa State land a called "Race Course" which is located at Aso Pada, along Gurku Road in Karu Local Goverment Area.

According to digital land records from NAGIS: (Nasarawa Geographic In information Service), the Race Course land is approximately 75 Hectares and can be utilized for setting up Industries and top of the line residential estates as well as for specialized evonomic ventures and educational purposes given the fact that the Federal Goverment has already commenced the construction of a road which links Aso Panda to the heart of the FCT.

Signed:
Yakubu Lamai.
Director General: Strategic Communication and Press Affairs,.
1st July 2020

COVID-19: Engineer Sule directs distributions of 38 trucks of food items across 1,495 polling units

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has directed that 38 trucks of assorted food items donated by the COCAVID, a private sector initiative, be distributed across the 1, 495 polling units across the state.

Engineer Sule gave the directive while flagging off the distribution at a ceremony at the Government House, on Wednesday.

While commending the coalition of private sector organizations for the humanitarian gesture aimed at cushioning the hardship brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the Governor directed that the food items be distributed across polling units in the state.

"It is important to note that these food items are to be shared to the poorest of the poor who have no source of income to cater for their daily needs.

"In this wise, salary earners, businessmen and other privileged people are exempted from this intervention," Engineer Sule cautioned.

He discloses that the state government has re-strengthened the palliatives distribution committees at the local government, wards and polling units levels, to ensure transparency in the distribution of the food items.

"Accordingly, the State Steering Committee on COVID-19 will ensure strict supervision and keen monitoring of the distribution process.

"I need to put on notice that the Palliative Committee at all levels will be held accountable for any anomaly in the distribution of the palliatives," the Governor stated.

He recalled that already, government bought and distributed 12 trucks of rice in order to cushion the effects of measures put in place to curtail the spread of COVID-19, adding that the Olam Farms Ltd also donated one truck of 600 bags of rice, bringing the total to 13 trucks, which were distributed to the vulnerable people across the 13 Local Government Areas of the State.While charging the palliative distribution committee to justify the confidence reposed in them by government by ensuring fairness and transparency in the distribution, Engineer Sule stressed that his administration has continued to issue Proclamations in an effort to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the State.

"As you may be aware, report from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), indicates that, Nasarawa State recorded over two hundred (200) cases.

"It therefore, becomes necessary on all and sundry to continue to comply with the preventive measures and Government directives in order to prevent further spread of the virus in the State," the Governor stated.

Also speaking at the event, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who doubles as the Chairman of the COVID-19 Palliatives Distribution Committee, said government has put machinery on ground towards ensuring that the food items get to the desired members of the society.

While emphasizing that the distribution would be done at the 1,945 polling units, Dr. Akabe added that every beneficiary in a household would fill a form and provide phone numbers, names, location, among other information.

“The essence of the information is to afford the government the opportunity to verify whether the items got to the deserving people.

“We can pick any form and call the number of the person who collected the items for confirmation,” the Deputy Governor explained.

The food items to be distributed include 20, 000 cartons of spaghetti, 21, 000 bags of rice, 15, 000 bags of Semovita and 24, 000 bags of sugar, among others.

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule said government must endeavour to train indigenous doctors in order to forestall the hijacking of the medical profession by persons who may not necessarily understand the challenges confronting the state.

Engineer Sule stated this while hosting national officials of the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) alumni association, who came on a courtesy visit at the Government House, on Tuesday.

The Governor decried the high level of insensitivity demonstrated by striking medical doctors in the state, who inspite of the health and economic challenges posed by COVID-19, downed tools seeking for the implementation of promotions during the past ten years.

Engineer Sule described as "painful", a situation where the striking doctors working in pubic hospitals, chose to remain adamant, amidst the coronavirus scourge, leaving the people of the state to suffer needless hardships.

While commending the first civilian governor of the state, Senator Abdullahi Adamu for establishing the state varsity, the Governor vowed that his administration will do everything possible to ensure that the new College of Medicine takes off.

"If that is the only thing I can do for Nasarawa State, by the grace of God, I will do it. So that one day, you will have 70-80 percent of doctors working in our hospitals who are indigenes of Nasarawa State," he stated.

Engineer Sule lamented that the striking doctors seek to compare Nasarawa State with other states in the country, not mindful of the fact that Nasarawa State is at the bottom line when it comes to subvention from the Federal Government.

According to the Governor, only indigenous will appreciate the unique challenges confronting the state and would not readily subject the people of the state to more avoidable hardships.

Engineer Sule restated the commitment of his administration to further develop the state owned university, adding that he will continue to commit government and his personal resources to ensure the newly established college of medicine also takes off.

Commenting on the newly established School of Engineering in Gudi, Engineer Sule expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the site. He commended the Vice Chancellor of the university for the progress of work so far.

Engineer Sule disclosed that he personally donated N20m as take off grant for the Faculty of Engineering, with the institution now about starting the process of admitting engineering students.

"One of the greatest things that ever happened to us, was the establishment of the Nasarawa State University Keffi by Senator Abdullahi Adamu," the Governor stated.

Earlier, in an opening remarks, National President of the NSUK Alumni association, Mustapha Isa, said they were at the Government House to congratulate the Governor on his one year anniversary, as well as show appreciation for the numerous interventions by the state government at their alma mater.

Members of the NSUK Alumni association equally commended Engineer Sule for the landmark achievements so far recorded within the span of one year, saying the Governor came into power with the people of the state at heart.

They specifically commended Engineer Sule for establishing the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Scheme, as well as the Bureau for Public Procurement, among others.

The NSUK Alumni association however requested for the intervention of the Governor for the association to have a representative in the university council.

They equally informed the Governor about the choice of NSUK to host the general meeting of all universities alumni associations at a yet to be determined date.

The first lady and number one capacity mother of Nasarawa State, H. E, SILIFAT ABDULLAHI A SULE. applaud Nasarawa State command of Nigeria security and civil defence corps, NSCDC.

Nasarawa State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC has apprehended a 27 year old man for alleged defilement of a three month old baby at Adogi village of Lafia Local Government Area of the state.

Parading the suspect at the NSCDC State Command headquarters in Lafia, Deputy Commandant , Mr Bisi Olaboyega said the suspect had been on the run for about three weeks after allegedly committing the act.

The First lady after hearing the big good news, she thank the Nigerian Civil Defence for their proactive on the case. She furthered categorically states, justice most prevail and the culprit most be punish according to the law of the land.

She thank the general public and the people of adogi for their efforts to see to the success of the case and all organisations and individuals who partake in saving the life of liltle baby rukkaya.
The security investigation also reveals that, this is the fourth victim of the culprit.