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Barely ten days ago during the 60th Anniversary celebrations of NIPR (Nigeria Institute of Public Relations), which held in Abuja on 27th July 2024; NIPR decided to honour Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule with the prestigious award of DIAMOND PRIZE FOR INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP.

ABDULLAHI A. SULE: “FROM GLORY TO GLORY!

By Yakubu Lamai:

Barely ten days ago during the 60th Anniversary celebrations of NIPR (Nigeria Institute of Public Relations), which held in Abuja on 27th July 2024; NIPR decided to honour Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule with the prestigious award of DIAMOND PRIZE FOR INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP.

The NIPR whose primary function as enshrined in the constitution is to use PR to enhance the image of Nigeria by creating positive narratives about the country, stated that Governor Sule has shown remarkable foresight by taking up the historic responsibility to host the first ever NIPR Finishing School and NIPR University, which will be the first of its kind in the entire world. Since this remarkable feat, NIPR has now become a drum major of telling the world that indeed Nasarawa State is an open, secure and peaceful Investment Frontier because the state is blessed with a governor who is focused on attracting investments and uniting his people for collective prosperity, while preaching peace and staving off purveyors of hate, division and retrogression.

In the same manner, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Nasarawa State recently embarked on an independent critical survey of the direct impact of the policies and programs of the A.A. Sule administration on rural people. According to the State Director of NOA, Dr. Priscilla Gondoalour; in order to ensure that the ordinary village people speak truthfully and without any preconceived bias or coercion, the NOA team told the respondents as captured on video and photographic evidence, that NOA was conducting a statewide public perception survey of government policies, programs and activities in Nasarawa State.

NOA was taken by surprise with the positive results of its survey across the 13 local government areas, that the agency immediately decided to compile its findings in a new book entitled ENGR. ABDULLAHI A. SULE: RAISING THE BARS OF GOVERNANCE which is different from all other publications, because the book focuses strictly on the behavior, character and evidence-based achievements of Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, which will be presented to the public as a model of exemplary approach to governance, practical achievements, and worthy leadership deserving to be integrated into the civic education of upcoming politicians, as a way to inculcate patriotism in emerging politicians.

NOA State Director, Dr. Priscilla Gondoalour has said that the National Orientation Agency will soon unveil and share this valuable book to various schools, institutes of democracy and the National Library. And as if to confirm the independent findings of the National Orientation Agency, on Saturday 6th July 2024; the NIGERIA EXCELLENCE AWARDS IN PUBLIC SERVICE (NEAP) which is organized bi-annually by the office of the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF) held at the State House Conference Hall of the Presidential Villa, where Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule was conferred with DISTINGUISHED AWARD FOR RURAL TRANSFORMATION.

In his remarks at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima stated that: The Nigeria Excellence Awards shows that excellence is not an orphan and the only way Nigeria can create an ecosystem of service which will forestall dysfunction in our public institution is if we applaud the culture of hard work and recognize unsung heroes like Governor Abdullahi A. Sule who serve as the role models that will create a ripple effect of sacrifice and commitment to GOOD governance!

Just as Governor A.A. Sule was receiving the NIGERIA EXCELLENCE AWARDS IN PUBLIC SERVICE which aims to inspire patriotism and the pursuit of excellence; another breaking news reached Nasarawa State that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) will also confer on H.E. Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule a “ROLE MODEL AWARD IN ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP” during the forthcoming National Diaspora Merit Award (NDMA) slated to hold on Friday July 26th 2024 at the State House Auditorium, Presidential Villa in Abuja by 4pm; as a way to instill pride in Nigerians living in the diaspora who are being encouraged to follow the worthy example of Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule by also returning home and contributing to national development.

In conclusion, it is said that for a person to go out in a blaze of glory, then it is because such an individual must have done something truly remarkable at the end of his life or career which makes him famous. However, the same cannot be said of Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, since he is still rising and not retiring anytime soon. For indeed and without doubt, Governor A.A. Sule of Nasarawa State keeps flying high, not too close to the sun for the heat to burn his skin and not too low to the ground for the ocean waves to dampen his feathers. Engr. A.A. Sule simply keeps transforming “from glory to glory” and proving time and again that, when the righteous is on the throne, the people (will always) rejoice!

YAKUBU LAMAI is Director General; Strategic Communication & Events Management to H.E. Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State.
Sunday 7th July 2024

The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule performed the ground breaking for the construction of the 250 Housing Units under the Renewed Hope Cities and Housing Units Scheme of the Federal Government. The project is located in Shabu, in Lafia LGA. At the event were the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the Minister of State, MD CEO FMBN, Developers and other stakeholders. Lafia, Saturday, 6th July, 2024

Renewed hope housing: Governor Sule makes case for graduates of vocational, technical institute to be employed

…accessibility, free land cuts cost per unit by 30 percent in Nasarawa-Housing Minister

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has appealed to contractors handling the construction of the 250 housing units under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estate programme in Shabu, to employ graduates of the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technical Institute Lafia.

Governor Sule made the case in his address during the groundbreaking for the construction of 250 housing units by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Shabu, Lafia Local Government Area on Saturday.

According to the Governor, His administration has since inception committed itself to providing technical and vocational skills in various fields for the indigenes of the state, stressing that employing them on the site of the construction would afford them the opportunity to practice what they must have learned.

While expressing joy that the construction work would provide jobs for 6500 skilled and unskilled labour, he said the contractors would even it find it cheaper recruiting graduates of the technical and vocational institute because most of them reside in Lafia.

Governor Sule also called on the trainees to avail themselves the opportunity by going to the construction site to be employed.

“This is a big jump for us. Since our inception we have committed to providing technical and vocational institute were people are being trained in all the areas that you mentioned. Iron bending, wielding, fabrication, electrical installation, motor mechanics, agricultural mechanization, air-conditioning and refrigeration and ICT.

“I’m calling on the trainees to come to this site and get the opportunity to practice what they have learned. I urge our contractors to assist us by employing some of these people because they are going to be cheaper for you to engage since they are closer here, and live here,” he stated.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for conceiving the initiative for the construction of 5000 units across the 13 states of the Federation under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate programme.

“I also wish to commend the honourable ministers for selecting Nasarawa State as one of the pilot states to benefit from this initiative aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the public servants who have to contend with increasing house rents vis-a-vis their take home salary,” he said.

He used the opportunity of the event to reiterate the commitment of his administration to providing affordable and comfortable accommodation to civil servants in the state, recalling that only recently, the state government approved the allocation and issued letters to deserving civil servants occupying government quarters within Lafia on owner-occupier basis.

Governor Sule assured the Federal Government of the continued support of his administration towards the successful execution of the renewed hope housing scheme in Nasarawa State.

On the reduction in cost by 30 percent as a result of the accessibility of the site, he showed appreciation to his predecessor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura for his foresight in acquiring the land and for making it available to the government for use.

“The Honourable Minister made me even more excited by saying that since the cost of construction is less, the cost of also selling the property is also going to be less. This site was acquired by my predecessor, Senator Tanko Al-makura. At the time he got it lots of people wondered what he was doing acquring a bush. Thank you for your foresight and for your vision,” he added.

This is just at the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, thanked Governor Sule for promptly providing free land and the most accessible location for the 250 units housing project.

“This singular action has helped us to reduce as much as 30 percent of the cost of units in this estate for the benefit of potential home owners. This is a dividends of responsible governance and I applaud Your Excellency for this,” the Minister said.

He disclosed that under the phase one of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate programme, his ministry planned to deliver a total of 50, 000 housing units across Nigeria, including the seven renewed hope cities that will have between 501 housing units per site in each of the six geopolitical zones in the country and the FCT.

Arc Dangiwa while flagging off the construction of the 250 units under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate programme of the Federal Government, said project comprise of 50 units of one-bedroom semi detached bungalows, 150 2-beddroom semi detached bungalows and 50 units of 3-bedroom semi detached bungalows.

He warned contractors handling the project that his ministry would not tolerate substandard work, charging them to ensure that they build according to specifications.

I want to emphasize in very strong terms that we will not tolerate substandard work from any of the developer. We will explore all necessary legal means to ensure that they deliver as per the contract. If you collect government money, you must do the work,” he said.

The minister further called on the developers to adhere to the timeline and finish within three months so that the ministry can begin to give them to Nasarawa indigenes to purchase and move in.

He highlighted on the efforts by the Ministry to make the houses affordable for the intended beneficiaries.

“To ensure affordability, we have created different options to enable everyone who has a source of income and livelihoods to own these homes when they are completed. This includes single digit mortgage loans, and the beneficiaries can pay over 30 years. Rent on skills provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to which the MD/CEO has confirmed to you. And any outright purchase options or installment payment for those who can afford to pay upfront,” he added.

Arc Dangiwa explained that for the 350 units in Nasarawa State, the project hopes to create jobs for over 6500 people in various trades for professionals such as architects, quantity surveyors, civil, mechanical and electrical engineers to masons, plumbers, tilers, electricians, laborers, iron benders.

“We have seen that an unskilled worker at the project sites earns 35, 000 naira per week at an average of 5 thousand naira per day. This amounts to about 140, 000 naira per month which is more than even the minimum wage. This in addition to other economic activities including foodstuff, supplying blocks and providing building materials,” he said.

The Minister appreciated President Tinubu for the political will to embark on the project and for making available N50bn out of the N100bn earmarked in the 2023 supplementary budget for delivering 50, 000 housing units across the country under the phase one of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate programme.

For Shehu Usman Osidi, MD/CEO of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the bank have provided a one billion naira off-takers guarantees for the development and construction of 3112 housing units, which is part of a global plan to deliver 100, 000 housing units across the country.

Osidi disclosed that in Nasarawa State, the FMBN has financed 11 housing projects in various parts of the state most of which have been completed and delivered.

“We have also disbursed 7.5bn under our home renovation loans to 8583 indigenes of Nasarawa State while 105 FHA beneficiaries recently emerged as home owners under our rent-to-own scheme,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the developers handling the project, Danmallam Saleh, the Minister of their commitment to ensuring that the renewed hope estates meets the highest quality of standards and design.

He further assured that their team is dedicated to completing this project within a stipulated time frame of 3 months, adhering strictly to all specifications provided.

Chairman North Central Forum and Nasarawa State Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule has clinched the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service, NEAPS for 2023. Gov. Sule was honoured in the area of Rural Development. He is one of the 42 awardees at this years’ award. In the 2022 edition. Engr. Abdullahi Sule was honoured for Agricultural Development. Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima (GCON) presented the award at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja Saturday, 6th July, 2024

May 29th: Governor Sule unveils performance scorecard

As Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State marks five years in office, he has taken the opportunity to showcase the numerous achievements of his administration in various sectors, including security, investment, industrialization, education, health, rural and urban infrastructure, amongst others.

Governor Sule unfolded the performance scorecard of his administration while presiding over an expanded state executive council meeting at at the Government House on Wednesday.

The Governor congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for also clocking one year in office and for the President’s efforts to change the narrative in the development aspirations of the country.

He equally appreciated President Tinubu for the achievements recorded by his administration which were informed by the cooperation and sustained support from the Federal Government since his assumption of office in 2019 and subsequent reelection in 2023.

The Governor acknowledged that there is no doubt that the journey so far has been daunting, but that his administration has remained resilient and committed to surmounting the numerous challenges confronting the state, which explains why the celebration is low key.

He appreciated the people of the state for their cooperation and support during his first term in office, which led to his reelection in 2023 and which has further renewed his zeal and commitment to pursue a fresh vision that would propel Nasarawa to greatness.

“There is also no doubt that the journey so far has been associated with daunting challenges but we have remained resilient and committed to surmounting them hence the need for celebration although on low key.

“I must admit that our unity of purpose has been inspirational and giving us the needed strength to forge ahead in our collective determination to exceed all expectations,” he added.

He promised that just as he assured the people in 2019, his administration has remained resolved in its determination to serve the people diligently and selflessly by executing projects, programmes and policies for socio-economic development of the state.

“In this wise, we pledged to give hope to our people by creating vistas of opportunities for socio-economic prosperity for our dear state,” he reasserted.

Thereafter, Governor Sule unfolded the performance scorecard of his administration in the areas of security, investment, industrialization, education, health, rural and urban infrastructure, amongst others.

He said his administration has priotized the provision of security for the protection of lives and properties of the citizens of the state, aimed at creating the needed environment that would guarantee the influx of investors and other development partners to invest in the state’s natural endowments for the benefits of the people.

According to Governor Sule, “Security is the bedrock for harmonious coexistence and a sine qua non for development. This administration has prioritized the provision of security for the protection of lives and properties of the citizens of the state.”

He highlighted the collaboration with security agencies, provision of operational vehicles and motorcycles, and infrastructural support, which have resulted in relative peace in Nasarawa State and a reduction in communal crises, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

The Governor however reiterated the need for peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic nationalities in the state.

“We must continue to see ourselves as one people with common destiny. I enjoin us to always bear in mind that in everything we do, let the dream of our founding fathers and our collective interest prevail,” he stated.

In terms of industrialization, Governor Sule traced the achievements recorded thus far to the unfolding of a policy document that defines the administration’s development blueprint and set the state on the path of economic prosperity, the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS).

He pointed out that through the NEDS, the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA) was established, which have attracted investors and facilitated the establishment of companies like Avatar New Energy Materials Co Ltd, Azgard Mining and Processing Plant, and Nasarawa Technology Village, amongst numerous other investments.

He added that all these investments and more were informed as a result of the maiden Nasarawa State Investment Summit held in 2022, with the second summit conducted barely two weeks ago with further promise of additional investors coming into the state.

“As I speak, the state would soon witness another set of investors who have already indicated interest to invest in other sectors of our economy consequent upon the second edition of the summit,” he said.

The Governor also emphasized the importance of education, stating that his administration has committed enormous resources to enhance the educational system.

He added that part of the inroads recorded include the mass construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, establishment of faculties of engineering and medicine at the Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK), and employment of over 8,000 teaching and non-teaching staff in secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

“I need to add that, our junior secondary and primary schools are not left behind in this endeavor as we are currently recruiting additional teaching staff for our primary schools in the state. I am happy to note that the recruitment committee for this purpose has completed its assignment and list of successful applicants would soon be released,” he disclosed.

Governor Sule highlighted the administration’s efforts in healthcare, including the establishment of the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency, provision of affordable healthcare services and infrastructure, and expansion of facilities at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Lafia, which has transitioned into the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital.

“In the same vein, we have completed and put to use the modern hospitals in Akwanga and Nasarawa Local Government Areas of the state. Government has also upgraded some primary healthcare centres into general hospitals in order to create more access to healthcare facilities at the grassroots. We have also built and equipped our health centres with modern facilities in line with global best practices,” he said.

Agriculture has also received attention, with the administration prioritizing fertilizer procurement and distribution to farmers at subsidized rates, supporting agricultural production, and commencing work on 10,000 hectares of land for rice, maize, and sesame cultivation.

In terms of rural and urban infrastructure, Governor Sule listed numerous completed and ongoing projects, including road constructions, urban and rural roads, flyovers, and bus terminals.

He emphasized the importance of these projects in opening up economic activities and enhancing the state’s development.

“We have also constructed the Burial Ground, Angwan Shalele and GRA-Bukan Sidi Roads, as well as Akwanga township roads in the state. We constructed the dual carriage Shendam-Akurba Road and equipped it with solar-powered streets light to give our state capital a befitting look. I am happy to inform you that we have awarded the contract for the flyover and underpass, the first of its kind designed to streamline traffic flow for commuters from Jos to Makurdi,” the Governor added.

Indeed, Governor Sule’s administration has made significant strides in various sectors, and he remains committed to sustaining these efforts to propel Nasarawa State towards greatness.

“We commenced the journey of our second tenure in office with a clear vision to consolidate on our achievements thus far and charting a transformational agenda that would change the various sectors of our economy,” he stated.

His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule Today, Flag-off of the Disbursement of Farm inputs and Assets to 10,000 Beneficiaries of the Nasarawa N-Cares program.

His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule Today, Flag-off of the Disbursement of Farm inputs and Assets to 10,000 Beneficiaries of the Nasarawa N-Cares program. The government also commences the distribution of 23 Tractors to boost agricultural production in the state. The 23 tractors is part of the 300 tractors the Sule led administration intends to procure for the state.

Wednesday, 22nd May, 2024

His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule declares open a One Day Sensitisation Workshop on Strict Compliance with Assets Declaration and Code of Conduct for Public Officials.

His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule declares open a One Day Sensitisation Workshop on Strict Compliance with Assets Declaration and Code of Conduct for Public Officials. The Workshop is Held at the Conference Hall, Ministry for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs

Monday, 20th May,2024

His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule participates fully on the Oil and gas sessions on Day-two of the Nasarawa Investment Summit.

His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule participates fully at the sessions on Day-two of the Nasarawa Investment Summit. The sessions dwelt on Oil and gas while winners emerged from the MSME challenge and carted home prizes of 1M, 1.5M and 2.5M naira. Participants include Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Engr. Mele Kyari represented by Executive vice President, Gas and Power Olalekan Oguleye, Members of the National Assembly, Captains of Industries, Heads of Government Agencies, and several other influential personalities.

Thursday, 16th May, 2024

First-Day 2nd Edition of the Nasarawa Investment Summit 2024

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR represented. by the Honourable Minister Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Special Adviser to Mr. President on Special Duties office of the Vice President Aliyu Modibo, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule at the opening session of with the Theme; The Industrial Renaissance. The summit brought together Captains of Industries and Heads of Government Agencies at the International, Federal and Sub-national levels. The two-day event comes to a close on Thursday 16th.

Wednesday, 15th May, 2024.

First day of the Inaugural Nasarawa State Investment Summit was a Huge Success. The occasion was graced by several dignitaries. 11th May, 2022

His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule welcoming the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to the venue of the ongoing Nasarawa State Investment Summit 2020, holding at the late Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall, Government House, Lafia. The two-day summit has in attendance, the former president of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the 14th Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammad Sanusi II, traditional rulers led by the Emir of Lafia and Chairman Nasarawa State Traditional Council, HRH Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), as well as Professor Konyisola Ajayi, Chairman of the Nasarawa Investment Summit Committee, amongst other functionaries.