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.