Month: May 2020
The Joint Peace And Security Meeting Between Benue and Nasarawa States
1.0 In furtherance of the efforts of the Governors 0f the two States to ensure sustainable peace among the ethnic groups in the States, particularly, communities living at the border areas of the two States, their 
Excellencies Samuel Ortom, Governor of Benue State and Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule Governor of Nasarawa State respectively convened this meeting.
2.0 The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Secretary to the Government of both States; members of the State Executive and Security Councils of the two States; other top Government functionaries of the two States, members of the State House of Assembly representing border communities of the two States, Chairmen of the Local Government Councils of the two States sharing borders, Traditional Rulers and Community Leaders as well as representatives from the border communities of the two States.
3.0 Participants at the meeting commended their Excellencies the Governors of Nasarawa and Benue States 
for their doggedness in ensuring sustainable peace and security among the different ethnic nationalities in the two States. Similarly, security agencies in the two States were commended for their efforts in ensuring peace, Law and Order as well as their prompt response to crisis situations. The meeting also appreciated the efforts of Traditional Rulers and
Communities’ leaders in conflict resolution among warring parties within and among communities of the two states
4.0 After frank and brotherly deliberations, participants at the meeting from both States resolved as follows:
i. The Deputy Governors of the two States and National Boundary Commission should speedily work towards concluding the demarcation of the borders between the two States so as to address the lingering crisis between the Alago, Tiv and the Fulani from both States and resolve their differences.
ii. Fulani herdsmen should refrain from trespassing and occupying farm lands and communities at the disputed border areas for now until the boundary lines between Benue and Nasarawa States are clearly demarcated by the National Boundary Commission (NBC).
iii. Farmers and herdsmen should also refrain from taking laws into their hands at the slightest provocation; they should endeavor to report any trespass or breach of their rights to the constituted authority nearest to them.
iv. Security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrol activities in their border areas and both States should jointly employ the use of community policing to stop the menace of herdsmen attack and inter border banditry activities.
v. No Livestock guard should cross the border into Nasarawa State while performing their assignment.
vi. Border communities 0f the two States should identify perpetrators, sponsors/financiers of criminal activities and report them to security agencies.
vii. Regular visit on each other by Traditional Rulers and Chairmen of Local Government Councils from Benue and Nasarawa States particular those at the border areas.
viii. The Governors of the two States commend His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for setting up special task force on security to complement the efforts of the regular security agencies in combating crimes in North Central Nigeria.
Signed By: 
His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule
Governor of Nasarawa State
His Excellency, Samuel Ortom
Governor, Benue State.
SPECIALIST HOSPITAL LAFIA TO RECEIVE COVID-19 EQUIPMENT
The Chief Medical Direct
staff were screened before getting access to the facilities which is part of the measures to control the spread of the virus.
He strongly emphasised that non-essential staff are directed to stay at home following Nasarawa state government directives, adding that the management had provided protective kits to essential staff who are still coming to work.
The CMD urged the general public in the state to continue staying at home, wash hands with soap and running water frequently, avoid crowded places, maintain social distance and follow the instructions from various government agencies.
You would recall that governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State had on Thursday while updating newsmen on government measures to control the spread of the virus, said it would soon take delivery of medical equipment.
Nasarawa among 6 states where AfDB will establish agro processing zone, says Engineer Sule
Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule has confirmed that the state has been identified as one of the six states selected by the African Development Bank (AfDB), for the establishment of agro industrial zone.
Engineer Sule made this known while speaking at the 2019 Bankers Committee dinner and award night, which held in Lafia, on Saturday.
According to Engineer Sule, officials of the bank in the country, confirmed that Nasarawa is among the six states selected to benefit from the project.
The Governor appealed to the banks to partner with the state government to make this a reality, since with the coming of the agro processing zone, lots of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and subsequently major players, will be part of the agro industrial zone.
The AfDB recently said it has earmarked $500m loan for the development of agro-industrial zones across various states.
Called the Special Agro Industrial Process, officials of the bank said it will be similar to the free trade zone, where thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created for Nigerians across the country.
This is coming on the heels of recent achievement recorded by the administration in the area of agriculture, particularly with the Dangote Group already working in Tunga, Doma and Nasarawa Local Government area, with Azman Farm and Rice Mill having completed all arrangement to cultivate 14, 000 hectares of land for rice production in Toto Local Government Area.
“But just a few days ago, we also received the Flour Mills of Nigeria, who are also going to establish their own 20, 000 hectares of land around Umuasha that they will be establishing cassava and sugar plantations,” he said.
The Governor however noted that all these will not be possible without the support of the bankers.
Engineer Sule vows to transform Keffi to befitting status as gateway to Nasarawa
Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule has vowed to develop Keffi to attain its befitting status as the gateway to the state from Abuja.
Engineer Sule made the vow while hosting a delegation from the Keffi Emirate, on a special courtesy call at the Government House, on Monday.
The Governor added that with Keffi, being what Agbara in Ogun State is to Lagos, manifests the real essence of Nasarawa State, stressing that with the town noted for its rich history and culture, hosting several prominent citizens, it has become imperative for his administration to build Keffi to the status that portrays the beauty of the state and its people.
Engineer Sule disclosed that to this end, the contract for the construction of the Keffi Circle, to be erected on the old market site, will be awarded in next month.
Also, he further disclosed that his administration will not rest until it carry out major roads constructions within Keffi. Specifically, the road from the roundabout-Old Keffi road-Prison-Keffi Grave Yard.
Other roads identified by Engineer Sule included the dualization of the road from that same roundabout coming towards Nasarawa road to the main roundabout, going to the hospital, as well as another dual carriageway from the Keffi Hotel junction, going through Antau to connect the roundabout, through the palace and going through Karofi to connect the Nasarawa road.
“Because of the historical nature of Keffi and the prominent people of Keffi, we must build Keffi to that status that defines us and beautifies us as people of Nasarawa state,” the Governor stated.
On the restoration of water supply to the ancient town, the Governor expressed satisfaction that he was able to address the issue and to restore water supply in the town.
He however noted that a new water tank will be installed at the Moloney pumping station, to replace the leaking tank.
Engineer Sule used the opportunity of the visit to thanked the Emir of Keffi, HRH Dr. Shehu Usman Yamusa III, as well as the Turakin Keffi, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, for intervening in the controversy surrounding the alleged demolition of an uncompleted mosque located at the old Keffi market.
The Governor equally thanked them for intervening on behalf of the state to seek for the extension of the light rail from Abuja-Keffi-Gudi, which will further serve to decongest traffic on the busy Abuja-Keffi expressway.
Earlier, in an introductory remark, Senator Adamu, the first civilian governor of the state, said the delegation were on the very special courtesy and goodwill visit to the Governor and to the government of Nasarawa State.
Senator Adamu added that the people of Keffi remain loyal to the present administration, as well as appreciate some of the major steps government has taken, which serves as indicators of the commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of Keffi and its people.
In his remarks, the Emir of Keffi, HRH Dr. Shehu Usman Yamusa III, told his host that they were at the Government House to show appreciation over the manifest commitment and dedication to the state and people of Keffi by the present administration.
The royal father thanked the Governor for restoring water supply to Keffi after a prolonged scarcity, making case for further interventions, especially in the area of link roads.
ENGINEER SULE HAILS BURATAI FOR UPGRADING SPECIAL FORCES CORPS TO A COMMAND
Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule has commended the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt- General Yusufu Buratai, for upgrading the Special Forces Corps, located in Doma, to a command.
Engineer Sule showed his appreciation while hosting the outgoing Commander of the Special Forces Corps, Maj. Gen. G. Oyefesobi, at the Government House, on Friday.
The Governor specifically thanked the COAS for constantly keeping Nasarawa State close at heart, monitoring developments in the state.
Engineer Sule equally commended the series of victories recently recorded by the joint special forces taking the fight to the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East.
The Governor expressed satisfaction that at the time an outstanding officer in the person of Maj. Gen Oyefesobi was leaving , another veteran who is familiar with the North East and the offshoot of the Boko Haram, is also coming to the state.
Though noting that presently the state is going through a trying moment in terms of security, especially around the Toto area, Engineer Sule pointed out however that Nasarawa State is not volatile but one of the most peaceful states in the North Central.
On the security challenge in Toto, the Governor said: “I have been speaking with the military hierarchy concerning the situation in Toto and if there is any better time for your presence to strengthen Nasarawa State, this is the time.”
Welcoming the new Commander of the Special Forces Command Doma, Maj. Gen M. G Ali, the Governor was optimistic that the new commander will build on the good work of his predecessor.
“Honestly speaking we want to thank you, we really want to show appreciation and we want to welcome you Maj. Gen Ali for coming home with your team. And we strongly believe that just like Maj. Gen Oyefesobi is leaving with pride, you will also leave with pride,” he stated.
Earlier, Maj. Gen Oyefosobi, in his farewell speech, recounted that the Special Forces Corps was established by the Nigerian Army in December last year, as a fallout of the COAS reaction to the security situation not only in the country but in Nasarawa State in particular.
Oyefosobi described the Special Forces as a versatile special unit that is meant for only special operations, especially with Nasarawa State not having any military presence apart from Keffi, for which the COAS deemed it fit to establish the headquarters of Corps in Nasarawa State, to take care of the security situation.
He disclosed that last month, the COAS, decided to upgrade the corps to a command status, with the command now more of an operational status, not administrative.
Maj. Gen Oyefosobi introduced the new Commander, Maj. Gen M. G Ali, as resourceful and a veteran of the North East.
According to the outgoing Commander, Maj. Gen Ali commanded the Special Forces in the North East a while ago.
HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR ABDULLAHI A. SULE CONDOLES MR. PRESIDENT AND THE FAMILY OF LATE ABBA KYARI
It is with great sadness that His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule learned of the passing of Late Chief of Staff to Mr. President, Abba Kyari on Friday 17th April 2020.
His Excellency hereby extends his deepest condolences to the family of Abba Kyari as well as relatives and the entire country, and in particular President Muhammadu Buhari whom the Late Kyari served with unalloyed loyalty, fortitude and strength of will.
Nasarawa State mourns with the nation, as we reflect upon the life of this remarkable politician, nationalist and exceptional statesman who exemplified patriotism, love for the common man and skills of astute leadership and great determination.
Indeed politics has lost a man who was a powerful force for patriotism, discipline, peace, unity and national service.
Abba Kyari’s commitment to the highest standards of national service, loyalty and love for Nigeria stands as an example to all of us, particularly, those who are politicians to be bridge builders and torch bearers of hope.
Abba Kyari contributed over many years to furthering the ideals of political accommodation and peace-building. Kyari understood the deep connection between local politics and national problems, and he helped Mr. President in no small measure to give Nigeria a respected place of identity and dignity among the comity of nations.
There are only a few citizens of Nigeria who have had such a profound impact on the future direction of politics of transparency, accountability and inclusion in our dear country Nigeria as championed by President Muhammadu Buhari as Abba Kyari.
Indeed as it is written in Verse (2:156) of the Holy Qur’an: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (Arabic: إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ) which translates to mean: “Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return, “the Governor of Nasarawa State Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule in total submission to the will of Allah SWT hereby commiserates with Nigerians over the demise of Abba Kyari.
Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule affirms herewith that indeed death is predetermined by God alone, and the exact time of a person’s death is known only to God; but as Muslims and people of faith, the Governor enjoins the family of Abba Kyari to find solace and comfort in the belief and prayers that Allah will surely designate for their Abba Kyari, “Aljannah Firdaus” (the highest layer of heaven) as his resting place!
May Almighty Allah; the absolute one, the all-powerful and all-knowing ruler of the universe, and the creator of everything in existence grant Abba Kyari’s family “Sabr” the fortitude, ‘endurance’ and ‘perseverance’ to bear this irreplaceable loss. Ameen!
Yakubu Lamai
Director General: Strategic Communication & Press Affairs
To: HE Governor Abdullahi A. Sule
Saturday 18th April 2020
NITDA Donates 100 LAPTOPS TO NASARAWA, TO TRAIN, EMPOWER WOMEN SETUP BUSINESSES
Nasarawa State governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule disclosed this on Thursday while declaring open a 3-month computer training and supply of laptops on loan to civil/public servants in the state.
According to the governor, based on the significance he placed on Information Communication Technology (ICT) he made several trips to the agency in Abuja, with the state now benefitting from the programmes being ran by NITDA.
Engineer Sule said NITDA is coming to the state next month to embark on a training programme for women, with the beneficiaries also to be given financial resources to set up businesses so that they can become employers of labour.
“They are going to come along with additional laptops that is mainly for women, so that they can empower women, to give them not only the laptops but also some financial resources, so they can use the resources to buy additional items that will help them to be able to set up their own business centres and become employers of labour by themselves,” the governor stated.
Speaking on the event, Engineer Sule restated the commitment of his administration to make Nasarawa State ICT compliant, with a view to enhancing e-governance.
He noted that many government operations are not being conducted through online interactions with government functionaries on one hand and members of the public on the other.
To this end, Engineer Sule disclosed that his administration has commenced the rehabilitation and furnishing of the existing structure of information technology centre as a pilot project, with arrangements concluded for the construction of technology innovation hubs in Lafia, Akwanga, Keffi and Karu local government areas.
Engineer Sule added that his administration is determined to give civil servants the necessary training to make them compliant with new techniques in executing government responsibilities in the state, which he said, will reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, as well as waste of time in the discharge of government business.
He emphasized that the training programmed will be conducted across all the three senatorial zones of the state, with both teachers and staffs of local government areas to be included in the training.
“Let me therefore, reiterate that this administration actually places high premium on training and retraining of our workforce in our commitment to inject ICT in the state public service for effective service delivery,” the governor said.
He commended Brightland Computer Technologies, for initiating the programme, charging civil servants in the state to enrol into the programme towards ensuring they acquire personal laptops as the first step to ensure that all civil servants are compliant with modern trend of digital literacy.
Engineer Sule further urged the initiators of the event to extend similar gesture to all and sundry so that the entire state will be computer literate.
Speaking also, Mr. Adeola Adedayo, Technical Manager, Brightland Computer Technologies, said his firm is happy to partner with the Nasarawa State government towards ensuring that its workforce are imparted with ICT knowledge, which is an important factor globally.
Adedayo commended the effort of the governor to ensure that workers in the state are digitally literate, which according to him, is an important step towards achieving e-governance.
Earlier, the state Head of the Civil Service, Abari Nicholas Aboki, disclosed that the programme will comprise theory and practical sessions and it’s being organized in such a way that government activities would not be interrupted.
GOV SULE COMMISSIONS MARARABA – ORANGE MARKET ROAD AND TA’AL ORANGE AND SERVICES SITE ESTATE
His Excellency, Engr Abdullahi A Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State has commissioned the Mararaba-orange Market road and the Taal Orange Site and state Services Estate today in Mararaba of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.
Hon Samuel Akala, the Executive Chairman of Karu local Government eternally grateful to the Governor Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule for reassuring the citizens of Karu Local Government Area on the plans to commence the construction of Mpape-Gurku-Panda-Gitata road. This is a cherry news to the local government, and will open vistas of opportunities to the citizenry, he stated.
In attendance, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, Members of the National Assembly, Minister of state, Science and Technology, State House of Assembly members, and other top Government functionaries on the occasion of the official commissioning of the Mararaba-Orange Market road and the Taal Orange and Services Estate.
HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR ABDULLAHI A. SULE FLAGS OFF TECH-HUBS IN NASARAWA STATE
While welcoming the Governor, the Deputy Governor, the SSG, the SSAs, Lafia Local Government Chairman and all other personalities in attendance, Mallam Shehu Ibrahim Director General Bureau for Information and Communication Technology (BICT) stated that the idea of the Technology Innovation Hubs was the brainchild of the Bureau and that of the office of Special Assistant on ICT to Governor Abdullahi A Sule; Maryam Muhammad Gajere.
The hubs were setup to create an avenue for the promotion of technological innovation and for the exchange of ideas for business start-up and expansion for youths. Speaking at the flag the Director General Bureau for ICT, Shehu Ibrahim described the investment in technological innovation hubs as a strategic move to use technology as the key driver to fast-growing and smart economies for the state.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Bureau for ICT, Maryam Gajere Mohammed expressed delight at the commencement of the project. She said “I am very excited with this development because technological innovation is evolving and new ideas are springing up to proffer solutions to societal problems”. The tech-hubs are expected to instill the importance of technology and reason why it should be embraced and learn as a major driver of any developing economy.
The initiative will enable people to learn how to; develop Mobile Apps, Web Development, Idea Incubation, Robotic Training, Internet Of Things, Real And Virtual Augmentation, Graphic Designs, Block- Chain among many very others.
The Governor who applauded the previous Administration for building the Ta’al Mode e-libraries reiterated his administration’s commitment to leveraging on technology to create businesses and solution to problems that are driven by innovation and technology in delivering the state’s dream.
The Governor also congratulated the entire BICT staff for such a feat. He publicly stated that he has seen a lot that made it through the use of technology Innovation such as Microsoft, Facebook, thus he did not just endorsed the Technology Innovation Hubs but also promise to give all the necessary and needed support to ensure the smooth operations and sustainability of such a unique initiative.