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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.

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.

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.