State News

1. All Social gathering including weddings, naming ceremonies are advised to be suspended, if not, attendance should be restricted to members of the immediate family of not more than 20 people. The security personnel are hereby directed to monitor the activities of the residents to ensure strict adherence.

2. Motor parks in the state are advised to be collapsed to only one in each Local Government Area, including Lafia, the state capital. In this regard, manifest must be maintained in all the parks.

3. Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are directed to provide hand sanitizers and face masks in their respective offices.

4. Appropriate retired Nurses who are still strong are to be recruited to run the facilities for the centre of COVID-19 Virus and provided necessary training and kits.

5. To visit isolations centres in the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Medical Centre Mararaban-Gurku, Doma, Akwanga and Awe to inspect facilities and readiness.

6. Construction of strategic reserve to ensure food security as a matter of urgency. Food stuff to be procured and stored for distribution to the people when the need arises (Maize, Beans, Rice, Millet, etc).

7. Rehabilitation of ten (10) moribund boreholes in each local government area in the interim to ensure supply of clean water.

8. Anybody seen on the street begging should be arrested by the security agents.

9. Worship centres such as Mosques and Churches are advised to remain closed until further notice.

10. Government to cut down cost of governance by 60% with effect from April, 2020.

11. Markets are to be closed except those selling food items and Pharmaceutical shops to cater for the aged and the ill ones.

12. Task Force Committees are to be established at the Local Government levels to be supervised by the Local Government Chairmen which is expected to replicate what the State Committee is doing. This will also extend to the Ward levels.

The Taskforce would be chaired by Deputy Governor, a renowned medical Doctor, Dr Emmanuel Agwado Akabe while that of Local Government will be supervised by Council Chairmen.

It was the making of history at the 10th year anniversary of His Highness Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Sabo Umar on the royal stool as Sarkin Loko.

In his remarks as chairman of the occasion, Senator Abdullahi Adamu who held sway as the 1st Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, admonished the entire citizens of Nasarawa State to be “law abiding” and support the policies, activities and initiatives of the current administration of Engineer Abdullahi A Sule.

In the same vein, the immediate past Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura charged the people of Nasarawa State to be loyal and faithful to the government of Engineer Abdullahi A Sule, whilst assuring the attendees that Loko which used to be called “Loko London” for it’s pioneering prominence and prestige as a center of trade and commerce in the old Northern province of Nigeria is now poised to reclaim it’s historical position of being the leading light for economic activities in Nasarawa State under the banner policy thrust of Engineer Sule who is championing the “rapid industrialization” of the state.

The 10th Year Anniversary of His Highness, Mai Loko saw an outpouring of eloquent testimonials and encomiums on the loyal dedication and forthright character of Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, Secretary to the government and new Dan Masanin Loko.

His Excellency Engineer Abdullahi A Sule was also presented with a horse and conferred with a new twin title of “Barayan” Loko, just as he also holds the title of: “Barayan Lafia!”

On his part, Senator Walid Jibrin the National Patron of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association assisted those gathered that he will never succumb nor subscribe to politics of unfair and relentless negative condemnation of Government even if he is a member of the political opposition.

Former Senator Jibrin reaffirmed his unflinching commitment to continually support Governor Sule in his developmental strides, noting that the Fulani in active collaboration with Miyetti Allah have begun to deploy internal cultural mechanism to convince those armed Fulani bandits and kidnappers, who are still hiding in the bush, to put a halt to their criminal and nefarious activities. Just as His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi A Sule, congratulating to the SSG, also vowed not to relent in curbing security challenges so as to make Nasarawa State, the destination of choice for investors.

Signed
Yakubu Lamai
Director General, Strategic Communication and Press Affairs
22nd February. 2020

Hungarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Sandor Beer has said his country is willing to support the Nasarawa State Government in the area of agriculture, as well as scholarships in oil and gas exploration for economic development, wealth creation and job opportunities, in line with Engineer Abdullahi Sule’s economic development strategies.

Dr Beer gave the assurance while receiving a copy of the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategies (NEDS) document from the Senior Special Assistant to the Nasarawa State Governor on Liaison Office Abuja, Yusuf Maianguwa during a courtesy call on the Ambassador at the Hungarian Embassy, River Niger Street Maitama Abuja, on Tuesday.

The Hungarian Ambassador who appreciated the visit, which he described as the first of its kind since he came to Nigeria, expressed commitment to partner with the government of Engineer Sule in the areas of agriculture and scholarship to indigienes of the state to study mechanized farming especially on dry maize farming and software development which Hungary specialised on.

He said the NEDS document has demonstrated the political will of Engineer Sule’s unwavering commitment to re engineering the state to the next level of development.

Dr Sandor Beer also pledged to visit Nasarawa State soon to see the agricultural potentials of the state and further discuss on how to do business especially on oil and gas following the discovery of oil in some parts of Nasarawa State.

The Hungarian Ambassador added that for now, his country is doing business with Lagos, Sokoto and Adamawa states, promising to extend such support to Nasarawa State due to it’s proximity to the nation’s capital.

Earlier while presenting the NEDS document to the Hungarian Ambassador, the SSA on Nasarawa State Liaison Office Abuja, Yusuf Maianguwa said the document was well packaged by Engineer Sule to provide a road map for economic development of the state, thereby opening its window of opportunities on economic prosperity and potentials abound in the state for both local and foreign investors willing to invest in the state.

Maianguwa said the visit was an initiative of the Liaison office in complementing Engineer Sule’s economic development strategies and appealed to the Hungarian Ambassador to partner with the Nasarawa State Government on agricultural development and scholarship.

Yusuf Maianguwa equally told his host that has signed Memorandum of understanding MOUs with reputable conglomerates including the Dangote Group and the government of Russia on railway , sugar and rice production in Nasarawa State, calling on Hungary to also take advantage of the agricultural potentials and its proximity to Abuja to invest in the state.
Meanwhile, the SSA also received the chairman of Wellman Integrated Farm Limited, Ishaku Abdu Awatai at his office in Abuja Tuesday where they discussed on agric business for the benefit of the state

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.

1. His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Visitor to the University;

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

3. Members of the National Assembly here present;

4. The Honourable Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu;

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

6. The Hon. Chief Judge of Nasarawa State;

7. The Chancellor of the Federal University, His Royal Majesty, King W.S. Joshua Igbugburu, the Ibenanawei of Bomo Kingdom;

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

9. Members of the State Executive and Security Councils;

10. The Secretary to the State Government;

11. The Head of the Civil Service;

12. The Pro-Chancellor, Chairman and members of the University’s Governing Council;

13. The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed;

14. The Executive Secretary, TETFund

15. The Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB);

16. The Vice Chancellor and Principal Officers of the Federal University, Lafia;

17. Visiting Vice-Chancellors;

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

19. Your Highnesses, other Royal Fathers here present;

20. Staff and Students of the Federal University, Lafia;

21. My dear Graduands;

22. Gentlemen of the Press;

23. Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is with gratitude to Almighty God and utmost joy that I join you today at this auspicious occasion of the 2nd 3rd, 4th and 5th combined Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University, Lafia, taking place here in the University Campus.

2. Let me specially welcome His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the visitor to the Federal University, Lafia. Indeed, we are honoured by your esteemed presence. Similarly, I warmly welcome the Honourable Minister of Education and his entourage to this citadel of learning. In the same vein, I acknowledge the presence of our distinguished personalities, who find time amidst your tight schedules to grace this memorable occasion.

3. Today, marks yet another milestone in the history of the Federal University Lafia. Let me, therefore, on behalf of the Government and people of Nasarawa State, express our profound appreciation to our celebrated scholars, professionals, philanthropists, industrialist, friends, associates and men and women of goodwill from within and outside Nigeria who have turned out in such a large number to be part of this event. As we say in Nasarawa Barka da zuwa. Your presence in our midst today is a strong re-assurance that this solidarity will continue to grow from strength to strength.

4. Let me congratulate the Governing Council, the management and the entire staff of the University for successfully organizing this historic event. I also congratulate my dear graduands whose convocation we are witnessing today. It is my belief that the knowledge and skills which you have acquired during your studies will be necessary potentials for accelerating your career development and, by extension, add value to the technological, industrial and socio-economic development of our dear nation.

5. I wish to also congratulate the distinguished Nigerian statesmen who are conferred with the Honorary Doctorate Degrees at this convocation ceremony. This, indeed, is the manifestation of your enormous contributions towards the development of dear nation.

6. Your Excellency, distinguished guests there is no doubt that this combined convocation ceremony marks a watershed in the history of this young university, and the story of education in Nasarawa State and the Nation at large. It is gratifying to note that within just one decade of its existence, this institution has grown in leaps and bounds in terms of scholarship and research, infrastructure development, social impact and collaboration.

7. There is no gainsaying that education remains the all-time solution to the myriad of challenges facing mankind. In the current global race, therefore, there is no place for ignorance. In the circumstance, no investment can be too much to make in education. It is for this reason that I commend the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhamadu Buhari, GCFR for the commitment to the education sector in the area of expansion of opportunities for the citizenry, provision of infrastructure and facilities, as well as capacity building towards meeting the global standards and in the delivery of education.

8. I need to point out that the giant strides recorded by the Federal University of Lafia since its establishment in 2011 is an eloquent testimony of our collective determination to work in harmony to conquer societal backwardness. As a State poised to changing the narrative of cultural, religious and social impediments to the acquisition of education in this part of the world, we have zero tolerance to illiteracy in all ramifications. It is on the strength of this conviction that we have adopted a multi-pronged approach to addressing the plethora daunting challenges threatening the development of education in the State.

9. Your Excellency, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, on assumption of office in May, 2019 we were confronted with the grim realities of the state of education at all levels. Conscious of the ultimate benefit of our commitment to the people of Nasarawa State from whom we received our mandate, we are not limiting our effort in the development of education. This is why we have made a bold statement by allocating 26% to the sector in the 2020 budget in tandem with the UNESCO benchmark. Given the resources, we desire to transform the educational landscape of our State for the good of the people, particularly our teeming youths.

10. Let me place on record that, in consonance with our stakeholder’s role, the Government of Nasarawa State has provided the following interventions among others, aimed at fast-tracking the holistic development of the Federal University Lafia.

i. Donation of 206 hectares of lands for the permanent sites;
ii. Donation of the newly constructed Lafia General Hospital to serve as a Teaching Hospital for this University in view of the introduction of Medical and Pharmaceutical courses in the University.
iii. Construction of a female hostel at the permanent site;
iv. Construction of 1.2KM road from the Multi-disciplinary research Laboratory to the hostel area;
v. Automatic employment and provision of scholarship award to five (5) 1st Class students of the University, including a physically challenged student from Kogi State.

11. I am happy to state that, within the past nine (9) months. We have embarked on aggressive upgrading of physical structures of primary and secondary schools through collaboration with UBEC and the SDGs. we shall not rest on our oars until we have changed the scenario of dilapidation and desolation in the remaining schools in our efforts to improve the educational system in the State.

12. In the same vein, Government spends N29Million monthly to feed students in boarding schools across the state. Our modest effort in this direction has created tremendous impact in the welfare and wellbeing of our students. Concomitant to this, we intend to focus on capacity building and improvement of the quality of the hard and softwares that will facilitate the delivery of the set objectives in an ICT era education system.

13. At this point, Your Excellency, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I crave your indulgence to commend my predecessor, now a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Umaru Tanko Al-makura, whose signature is very conspicuous in all spheres of the State’s development, including education. I wish to specially congratulate him and my former boss and philanthropist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group of Company for the award of the Honorary Doctorate Degrees. Indeed, this is a worthy recognitions.14. To the graduands whom we have gathered here to celebrate, I congratulate you all for successfully completing your courses of study in the Federal University Lafia. The certificates you received today are more than mere meal tickets. In other words, you are leaving this event with your letters of credence as ambassadors of Federal University Lafia to the world. It behooves you, therefore, to fly the banner of honour and integrity of your alma mater at all times.

15. You must go and build your communities, the nation and humanity as a whole; and not become agents of destruction under whatever guise. I have no doubt that you all have passed through this great institution, having been mentored in learning and character, and you are expected to give back in equal measure and more. Despite all the challenges, society does not expect less from you.

16. Let me, also use this auspicious occasion to specially commend the Governing Council, Management, Staff and the entire community of Federal University, Lafia for keeping faith with the noble ideals of the institution and working assiduously to creating the bright impact in your host environment and, indeed the larger society. May your efforts continue to yield the desired fruits in the years ahead.

17. Before concluding this address, let me humbly crave the indulgence of the Federal Government to facilitate the take-off of the Teaching Hospital that the Nasarawa Government donated to the University. I wish to once again re-echo my profound appreciation to Mr. President and the Federal Government for the attention being accorded to this University in particular and Nasarawa State in general. We remain grateful. It is our ardent prayer that the Almighty God will crown your painstaking efforts with resounding success.

18. Thank you and may God bless us all.

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 laid the foundation stone for the construction of the senate building at the Federal University Lafia, as part of activities marking the scheduled combined convocation ceremony of the institution.

Engineer Sule, at a brief ceremony on Friday, also commissioned a newly constructed gatehouse at the entrance of the university, a road linking all the campuses of the institution, a bridge and a solar street light.

Commissioning the projects, the Governor commended his predecessor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura for personally ensuring the smooth take-off and subsequent development of the university.

He expressed satisfaction that Senator Al-makura’s effort is being recognized as he is billed to receive an honorary doctorate degree from the institution on Saturday.

Engineer Sule, equally commended the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Muhammad Sanusi Liman, among others, for bringing much desired development to the institution.

Earlier, in a welcome remarks, Registrar of the university, Dr. Abubakar Mamuda, disclosed that already, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Professor Elias Bogoro and the Emir of Lafia, HRH, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd) commissioned a multipurpose lecture hall, multipurpose research institute and medical college respectively.

A team from the Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, are presently in Nasarawa State to carry out feasibilities on a land to be used for the purpose of establishing a multi crop processing zone, as well as for the cultivation of cassava and sugarcane.

Group Managing Director/CEO of the company, Paul Miyonmide Gbededo, disclosed this during a meeting with government officials at the Lafia Government House, on Tuesday.

According to the GMD, a team from the company are in Lafia and ready to move into the land, located in Umuasha, Toto Local Government Area, to carry out feasibility studies on the suitability of the land for the specified projects.

Gbededo explained that the meeting was a follow up on the earlier meeting held in Lagos, when Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, led a delegation on a visit to the corporate headquarters of the company.

The GMD said, his company, being the leading food and agro allied business in the country, is investing in Nasarawa State because the state is agrarian and has lend itself so well to the firm’s philosophy and strategy.

He added that, by reciprocating the visit, Flour Mills Nigeria, meant business and are ready to exploit areas of collaboration with Nasarawa State, stressing that the company is seeking an inclusive development that will yield fruits not only just for the company but also for Nasarawa State and its people.

“The initial discussions that we had in Lagos, we mean it. We mean our desire to look at Nasarawa State and develop processing zone, not just one crop, but multi crop processing zone. So that we can take advantage of synergies that show themselves in the space we want to operate,” the Flour Mills GMD said.

He further disclosed that the company will also look at the out grower scheme, where local farmers will be brought in while the company continues to expand, stressing that it’s important they work with local farmers.

“Because this is not just about Flour Mills, it’s about Nasarawa State as well and the people of Nasarawa State,” he stated.

The GMD said it’s the desire of the company to grow and make Nasarawa State its base.

“We know that we have to act very quickly and that is why we have prepared for this. Members of the team are ready to move in immediately.

“We are not waiting. We have a team here that is ready to move into the land, check all the land, what the conditions of the lands are, the topography of the land, we are ready to start testing the land, knowing whether the land is suitable, what hectarage of the land we will be able to move in quickly and start developing,” he further explained.

Earlier, in an opening remarks, Special Adviser on Investment to the Nasarawa State Governor, Barrister Ibrahim Abdullahi, recalled that at the earlier meeting in Lagos, the Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, mentioned an opportunity to use their investment at the Toto area, as a flag off of establishing a special agro processing zone.

The SA disclosed that following on that, Engineer Sule immediately borrowed approved for conversation to open with different support groups, specifically, the Islamic Development Bank and African Development Bank, for the establishment of the crop processing zone.

“Out of that meeting, we are also on the verge of achieving double dividends. One, we have the Flour Mills investment, secondly, that also gave us a leeway to start the agro processing zone,” Abdullahi said.

Responding, Engineer Sule, showed appreciation for the company returning the initial visit he led to Lagos, stressing that he knew Flour Mills Nigeria will come to Nasarawa for a mutually beneficial business relationship.

“I wouldn’t have gone to Flour Mills. But I do know that anywhere that Flour Mills goes, you have added value, everywhere you go, you have carried the family with you, everywhere you go, you make your foot print and your presence.

“I am very excited and elated, I am so happy that you have accepted this invitation to be here,” the Governor said.

While pledging total cooperation with the company as it moves into Umuasha, Engineer Sule directed the technical team from the state to give the company a comprehensive presentation, highlighting other options for further collaboration in the state.

He urged representatives of the state government to accord full cooperation and work with the team from the Flour Mills Nigeria, as the company moves into Toto Local Government Area.