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Tag: Nasarawa

  • Mixed feelings greet third-party insurance policy in Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger

    Mixed feelings greet third-party insurance policy in Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger

    Some residents of Kogi, Nasarawa and Minna have received with mixed feelings, the third-party insurance policy being enforced by the Nigeria Police Force across the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while some residents welcomed the policy they described as a blessing in disguise, some kicked against it, saying it would benefit only the rich in the society.

    The residents of kogi, especially motorists, expressed concerns with the short notice and quick implementation of the policy, which they said deserved more intensive and extensive sensitisation of the public.

    They blamed the Federal Government for not giving enough time for awareness and publicity before the enforcement of the policy.

    Mr Tope Akerele, a retired civil servant, acknowledged the benefit of the policy, most especially in protecting third parties in the case of an accident, but raised serious concerns over its affordability.

    Akerele said that genuine enforcement of the policy by the police, its continued awareness and cost, remained key factors in achieving a wider acceptance.

    He expressed scepticism over the policy’s effectiveness and implementation, more so that it is designed to provide financial protection for accident victims and vehicle owners.

    A banker, Owa Gbadebo, suggested that rebranding the policy as accident insurance could improve public understanding.

    Gbadebo expressed doubt about the country’s efficiency in enforcing such policy, and questioned how authorities would implement it among an uninformed populace in Nigeria.

    “I wonder and confused as to why the Police had to take over the duty of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) or the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs), being the agency to enforce such policy?” he asked.

    The Chairperson, Kogi  NGOs Network (KONGONET), Amb. Idris Muriana, said that as patriotic citizens, people were supposed to comply with legitimate laws.

    Muriana said that the third party vehicle insurance being canvassed by the Inspector-General of Police (I-G) had always been in place before now.

    He said that lots of citizens had complied, even though securing compensation in the event of vehicle damage or accidents had never been very popular.

    “Maybe, I should guess that what has changed is that the government has hiked the cost of third party vehicle insurance.

    For instance, I used to pay the sum of N5, 000 per annum before now; however, this has astronomically increased to N15, 000.

    “It would have been fair to citizens if the I-G canvassed the angle of the increase in third-party vehicle insurance rather than making it look as if it was a new government policy.

    “Third-party vehicle insurance has not been of help to citizens for long and now we are canvassing for strict enforcement in the face of the hike and the current economic hardship across the country,” Muriana said.

    Mr Hamza Aliyu, Executive Director of Initiative for Grassroots Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA), said insurance was a key tool for reducing all forms of risks associated with any human endeavor.

    “Third Party insurance guarantees prompt and sustainable resolution of these accidents, especially collisions, which results in damage to vehicles and injuries to people.

    “It is a vital aspect of traffic management and road safety in our society.

    “It is a welcome idea that the Nigerian Police have decided to enforce, using this tool to enhance the protection and safety of lives and properties.

    “This will ensure that universal coverage by motorists is promoted and prompt claims are encouraged to engender confidence and trust in the system

    “As a motorist and owner of a valid insurance policy document, it’s a mandatory part of the vehicle registration.

    ” But in terms of usage, I have never had cause to activate the policy, maybe because we, the citizens, have not been sensitised enough to understand and operationalise the skills required for this,” Aliyu said.

    Mr. Sunday Adams, Branch Manager, Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Kogi branch, said insurance companies were legally required to compensate third party victims.

    Adams said the insurance policy was a legal requirement for all vehicle owners in Nigeria, saying that there was urgent need for Nigerians to be enlightened about its advantages.

    He said that when a policy holder is involved in an accident, he must immediately inform the insurance company, after which the company will appoint a surveyor to assess the damage and estimate the cost of the repairs.

    “Once the claim is verified, the insurance company pays out the compensation; it’s as simple as that.

    “It is also very worthy to note that the third party insurance covers other aspects like the medical expenses for the insured third party, property damage of repairing or replacing the insured property and lost incomes.

    “This helps to compensate the accident victims who are unable to work due to the accident.” the branch manager said.

    He explained that the insurance also covers the legal fees, if the claims went to court and also death.

    He emphasised that motorists generally should see third party insurance as a legal requirement, and a basic form of courage that helped to reduce financial burdens for accident victims and their families.

    Mr George Adebanjo, a lawyer, described the enforcement of the policy by the as a welcome development, but called for restraint even though it was long overdue.

    According to him, the third party insurance policy covers damages or injuries caused to third parties, including medical expenses, property damage and death.

    He said that the insurance did not cover damages or losses suffered by the vehicle owner or their vehicle.

    “However, even though the policy is a good one, its enforcement must not serve as another avenue to extort motorists and vehicle owners,” Adebanjo said.

    Mr Dare Olukaiyeja,   a retired Director, said that the directive was just another opening for the Police to extort and exploit innocent Nigerians.

    “To me, the directive is just another opening for the police to extort money from vehicle owners and other innocent motorists and Nigerians at large.

    “I have a third party insurance issued by the workers of the state licence office, but the insurance companies never give any financial assistance in any mishap, they are just a rip-off.

    “When I had an accident with my car in 2024, and a motorcycle man was injured, I single handedly footed his medical bills without a dime from the insurance company,” he said.

    Mr Felix Isaiah, said the policy  needs not to be enforced on Nigerians, rather motorists should be educated on the benefits of the policy.

    “I have valid third party insurance but I have never benefited or been compensated even when I had an accident with my car, and two people were severely injured.”

    Mr Solomon Aloko, said third party insurance is a waste of money to us car owners because you cannot benefit anything from them in case of any accident or theft.

    “So if the government can do something for us it will be good, but not enforcement that will bring another hardship to us as road users.

    ” When it is time to compensate vehicle owners, they start to look for loopholes not to pay,” Maiyaki said.

    The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mr Miller Dantawaye, described the enforcement in the state as very smooth, effective and efficient.

    Dantawaye, who spoke through the state Command’s Spokesman, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, said that the various check points introduced in compliance with the directive were doing great work.

    “I can categorically tell you that the enforcement of the third party insurance policy is very successful in Kogi.

    “As law enforcement agents, we are appealing to the motoring public to cooperate with us in ensuring that this policy is accepted and complied with,” Dantawaye urged.

    In  Nasarawa state, Muhammadu Maikwarya, State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), commended the initiative to ensure the safety of motorists and road users.

    He, however, called for more public awareness and education to carry everybody along in its implementation.

    He said that many vehicle owners, especially the uneducated, were not aware of the requirement for third-party insurance, and they needed to be educated.

    Samuel Akawu, a vehicle owner, said that the policy would help to reduce the number of uninsured vehicles on the roads.

    He  said that the policy would help to promote a culture of responsibility among vehicle owners, in addition to reducing road crashes on the highways.

    On her part, Amina Suleiman, a resident of Lafia, expressed concerns about the potential economic impact of the policy, and said that it might lead to an increased cost of vehicle ownership.

    She believed that this could have a disproportionate impact on low-income households, who might struggle to afford the additional cost of insurance.

    Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, Commissioner of Police in the state, said that the command had commenced the implementation as directed by the IGP.

    He advised vehicle owners and operators who had not yet acquired the insurance, to do so promptly, to avoid legal consequences and promote road safety for all.

    The commissioner also expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation from the public so far and emphasised the importance of continued adherence to traffic regulations.

    The Commissioner of Police, Niger Command, Mr Shawulu Ebenezer-Danmamman, said the command had commenced a statewide exercise to check drivers’ documents, with particulars and emphasis on third-party insurance.

    He said the exercise aimed to educate drivers on the importance of third party insurance and ensure compliance with the law.

    “We started with sensitisation in some areas, taking defaulters to court to renew their papers.

    “Thankfully, people have complied, and we are reeducating them on the benefits of third party insurance,” he said.

    He emphasised that third party insurance was not a new law but had been given emphasis to guarantee public safety.

    “When you go to renew your papers, naturally, they renew your third party insurance.

    It’s among the documents, and it’s expected that when it expires, you go back to renew,” he explained.

    He commended police officers and men for the successful enforcement of the policy, which commenced on Feb. 1.

    Read Also: Police to begin enforcement of third-party insurance for vehicle owners Feb

    He said the exercise was being carried out in all parts of the state, including Minna, Suleja, Tafa, Bida, Kontagora, Shiroro, New-Bussa, and Mokwa.

    Danmamman urged vehicle owners to cooperate with the police during the enforcement and beyond, emphasising the importance of the safety of lives and property.

    He also provided phone numbers including 08032233454, 07031964389 and 08075391601, for members of the public to report any unprofessional conduct by police officers.

    Mr John Akpan, expressed mixed feelings with the enforcement of the policy.

    “I think it’s a good idea, it will help to reduce the number of accidents on our roads and ensure that vehicle owners are held accountable,” he said.

    However, Mr Abubakar Sani, another motorist, expressed a different view.

    “I don’t think it’s fair; we are already paying so much for fuel, maintenance, and other expenses another financial burden is not fair,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • How Nasarawa officials sold job appointment letters to 2,277 – Sule

    How Nasarawa officials sold job appointment letters to 2,277 – Sule

    Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule has explained how government officials sold appointment letters to about 2,277 poor applicants before recruiting them as teachers. 

    He threatened to hand over to security agencies suspended officials of the Nasarawa State Teachers’ Service Commission (NSTSC) over alleged extortion of money from applicants for employment.

    Sule handed down the threat after getting the report by the committee set up to investigate irregularities in the recent recruitment of teachers by the Nasarawa State Teachers Service Commission, at the Government House. 

    Alarmed by the enormity of the irregularities, Governor Sule said he is left with no option than hand over the suspended officials to the security agencies, especially that money was collected from the applicants in exchange for appointment letters. 

    “These people, we would report them to the security agencies. Because this is beyond administration. The aspect of them collecting money from people, I don’t even have the power to handle that. The security agencies should be involved to see how these innocent children should get back their money,” he said. 

    While expressing dismay over the findings of the investigative committee, the Governor said the suspended NSTSC officials have not been fair to the state because they went overboard to recruit 3, 277 teachers instead of the 1, 000 approved by his administration. 

    “How do we accommodate 3, 277 teachers today in Nasarawa State? Where are you going to get the money to pay them? Where are you posting them? That is not even the biggest worry. The biggest worry is that the entire exercise was not done on merit, which means we have engaged people who are not qualified to be posted as teachers,” he said.

    On the fate of the 2, 277 teachers recruited without approval, Sule said: “This exercise is a complete destruction. If we employ 3000 teachers, there is no way any school in the rural areas would have only two or three teachers. We employ people because of vacancies that exist. You can’t go employing teachers without knowing where to post them.”

    He also showed concerns on the qualifications of the 1000 teachers officially recruited, adding that his administration may consider conducting a fresh selection process for the entire 3, 277 recruited teachers in order to be able to employ 1000 most qualified teachers.

    “The most important thing is not about politics but about the education of our own children. This is beyond politics. We are not going to build a society until we have a society of people who are educated. We can not have a society of educated people unless we have the right teachers,” he stated. 

    Commenting on one of the recommendations of the committee seeking for the government to pay all those teachers employed and posted to schools, the Governor assured that his administration will pay all those recruited and posted outside the official 1000 and thereafter terminate their appointment.

    “I assure you that all those who have been posted to schools, we would pay them. But we would not keep them. There is no way to keep them. If you posted 200 or 300 teachers to a school that requires only 40 teachers, you are really not helping the state. I’m not worried more about that than the fact that they are not qualified. They are not even qualified to be teachers,” he stated.

    Presenting the report before Sule, Chairman of the investigative committee, Silas Dachor, said the committee discovered that the TSC willfully disobeyed the Governor’s instruction to recruit only 1000 teachers.

    The Chairman added that the TSC went ahead to recruit 3, 277 teachers without necessary approval from the Governor. 

    “Indeed, there are hundreds of others in possession of appointment letters who are yet to be posted. This, to say the least, amounts to gross insubordination to His Excellency and a great disservice to the government and people of Nasarawa State.  

    Read Also: JUST IN: Gov Sule dissolves all political appointees

    “Furthermore, the committee found out that the recruitment did not in any way reflect the needs of the school system. Contrary to the rationale of the exercise, which was to fill existing vacancies. 

    “We also found out that the exercise did not show a fair spread across local government areas, and worst still, there was no evidence that the recruitment was based on merit. But merely selective, thus edging out other potential candidates,” he said.

    Dachor added the recruitment exercise was more or less reduced to a racketeering venture, where desperate and unsuspecting applicants scramble for employment on cash and carry basis for the highest bidder.  

    “In relation to this, an Access Bank account was provided for interested applicants who were directed to pay in amounts ranging from N500, 000 to N700, 000 for what was termed appreciation to facilitate issuance of appointment letter,” he said.

    He described the recruitment exercise conducted by the suspended NSTSC officials as being characterized by inconsistent documentation, harp hazard and abnormal procedures, and unethical practices, thereby raising serious concerns about transparency, accountability, credibility and fairness.

  • JUST IN: Gov Sule dissolves all political appointees

    JUST IN: Gov Sule dissolves all political appointees

    …swears in new SSG 

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule has dissolved all political appointees serving in his government.

    Governor Sule announced this Friday, February 7, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government house during a valedictory session with the Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants.

    He thanked them for all the services and contributions they made in the cause of their appointments to the development of the State and assured them that some may be still be re-appointed in other capacities.

    Governor Sule also swore in a new Secretary to the State Government, Barr Labaran Magaji who is the immediate past Commissioner and Attorney General of the state.

    Others who were inaugurated were the Sole administrator of Udege Development Area of Nasarawa local government; chairman and board members of the Collage of Education Akwanga.

    He charged the new appointees to work hard in assisting his administration to succeed.

    The Governor who had in early January dissolved the state executive council said, he has sent a list of 16 commissionership nominees to the state house of assembly for screening.

  • Gov Sule disbands two traditional rulers over chieftaincy crisis in Nasarawa

    Gov Sule disbands two traditional rulers over chieftaincy crisis in Nasarawa

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has disbanded two traditional rulers from Udege Mbeki—Odu and Mararaba Udege—in Nasarawa Local Government Area over their alleged roles in a chieftaincy crisis that led to widespread violence, including the burning of houses, destruction of farm produce, and loss of lives.

    During a visit to the affected villages, which were left deserted following the conflict, Governor Sule announced the government’s decision to revoke the status of the implicated traditional rulers. 

    He declared that they would no longer be recognized by the state and would have no legal authority over their communities.

    To further de-escalate tensions, the governor ordered the banishment of the contending families from Odu and Embu from exercising control over Mararaba. 

    He also announced plans to appoint an administrator to oversee peace efforts and facilitate conflict resolution in the area.

    Speaking to journalists, Governor Sule recalled that the crisis, which began about three years ago, stemmed from a dispute over a chieftaincy title and the ownership of the town. 

    He emphasized that various efforts, including engaging key stakeholders from the affected communities, had been made to resolve the conflict.

    “They have formed their own committees, they have tried everything in the past to bring the situation under control, in addition, we also appointed our own committee which was chaired by the Emir of Kashi,they spend a lot of time and come out with a recommendation on the way forward.

    “It was at the process of looking at the recommendation that the problem erupted and escalated to where we are today. I have already met with all the concern groups, but today I have come to see the level of destruction and calm the people down.

    “As a government, I know what to do and one of my decision is to announce that the two factional leaders that we have, they are no longer leaders and we have disbanded them, we decided that we are going to set up an administrative committee which is going to be chaired by ex-service man who understands what it’s takes to go through this, and we are going to take two people each  from the two factions and they will assist the administrator to come out with lasting solutions.

    Read Also: Gov Sule dissociates self from 2027 Senatorial campaign

    “But in the main time, we have to find ways to support those whose houses were burnt , whose families were killed, that is the reason why we came with the two ministries that are in charge of Humanitarian and Women Affairs so that they can take some kind of estimate of what happen for us to assist the people who have been attacked” he said 

    “As a government, we have to take a decision for the peace of the land. We cannot allow things to continue the way they are. We decided that as far as government is concerned, none of the two contending houses would be recognized as in control of Mararaba in Udege Development Area.

    “We are going to appoint an administrator in that particular area who would assist the government to come up with the final solutions,’ he stated.

    While appealing to the warring factions to sheath their swords and to give peace a chance, especially with current developments in Udege, with mining activities taking centre stage, he said the decision taken by his administration is based on the various reports submitted in the collective efforts to end the mayhem in Udege.

  • Nasarawa North Senate: How Sule rejected call on moral principles

    Nasarawa North Senate: How Sule rejected call on moral principles

    Linus Oota, writes on the anxieties in the hearts of the inpatients people of Nasarawa North Senatorial district to reward Governor Abdullahi Sule with a Senatorial seat in 2027, and his rejection of such early call, describing it as a distraction to good governance.

    THE journey of Engr Abdullahi Sule to Nasarawa State government house in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC, was a tall battle, particularly in the Northern Senatorial district where he comes from.

    As a Muslim minority in a Christian dominated zone, nobody gave him a chance including his co-contenders in APC and the opposition PDP., but he won the primaries and went ahead to win the general elections.

    He was indeed the annionted candidate of God Almighty who chooses him over those who hitherto believed the odds favours them, and he was march to a life of chivalry and ceremony, to the majestic heights of power as the number one citizen of the state, and no one was able to stop him.

    It’s been five years, eight months since he  took over as Governor of Nasarawa State and his story actually vindicate a great icon of history, the Retired American business executive, Mr Jack Welch who was a chemical engineer when he said “Great leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion”.

    Governor Abdullahi Sule is passionately and relentlessly driving the Nasarawa State Industrialization project to the admiration of even his critics, and his administration has so far made great strides in virtually all sectors in line with his campaign promises.

    The major pillars of his administration includes infrastructures, wealth creation, Agriculture and food security, Education,Job creation, health, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes, industrialization, Revenue generation and attracting investments.

    Governor Sule who is in his second and last term has indeed changed the narrative in Nasarawa State which is defined by can-do-spirit of a leader who believe that whatsoever the mind conceives can be achieved, he is indeed working and the state is changing.

    His vision/mission is to transform Nasarawa State into a functional private sector-led economy; creating opportunities for citizens, improving the quality of their lives and shaping the state into a regional entrepreneurship hub through good governance and appropriate developmental and environmental sustainability, and his commitment is to serve God and humanity.

    Recently, the internet and many social media platforms were flooded with stories calling on Governor Abdullahi Sule to contest the Nasarawa North Senatorial election in 2027,with the argument that he has done excellently well and deserve a senatorial reward.

    The numerous calls by the people of his senatorial district for him to proceeds to the Senate at the expiration of his second tenure in 2027 is a Clarion call based on moral principles akin to the biblical injunctions: do unto other men as you will have them do unto you.

    There are many dimensions to this Clarion call, the desire and qualification to have a man of such experience, integrity and capacity represents them  at the Senate, and the hurry to say thank you with a Senatorial slot for transforming the state into an investment hub.

    Since Nasarawa State was created in 1996, with Nasarawa North Senatorial district having just three local government areas, namely Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba, the people have always sought for political power. It has been a protracted struggle that has taken many dimensions through time. But in God’s own time which was 2019, Engr Abdullahi Sule stood tall and achieved the prophecy in fulfillment of the holy book.

    From a small Gudi community of Akwanga LG, he is the first to occupy the exalted seat of Governor of the state from the zone after several efforts by the likes of Senator Solomon Ewuga, Silas Agara, Labaran Maku, David Umbugadu, Danlandi Evulanza among others without success.

    The people of Nasarawa north, our correspondent gathered felt that their son, Engr Abdullahi Sule been the first Governor from the zone after years of denial and humiliation should not just retire back to the private sector where he comes from, but should proceed to the Senate to continue to be a leading light of the zone.

    They have however started early campaign to convince Governor Sule to yield to their demand, they are actually anxious, though fully aware that the Governor still have two years left to complete his tenure.

    “We heard he plans to return back to the private sector after his tenure, we are against his decision, we like him and his leadership style, we want him to continue to be our leader, if he leave the political scene after 2027, there will be a big leadership vacuum  in Nasarawa North, we need someone with his credentials, integrity, pedigree and profile to take that Senate seat in 2027.

    “We are fully aware that it’s actually too early to embark on this Clarion call, but we want him to fully understand that he has done so much for us and we want him to do same at the Senate and remain our political leader from the zone, it is generally known that what is good for the goose is not so bad for the gander, he has done well as our Governor and we are anxious to reward him.

    Read Also: Amaechi’s comment on Tinubu threat to democracy – Ohanaeze Ndigbo

    “All the past Governors of the state have tested Senate for their respective zones, Abdullahi Adamu and Umaru Tanko Al-Makura all went to the Senate, we want our son to also go to the Senate after his Governorship mandate in 2027, we started early due to the anxiety in our hearts” a prominent traditional ruler in the zone who pleaded anonymity said

    A close associates to Governor Abdullahi Sule, who equally pleaded anonymity  told our Correspondent that based on Governor Sule’s unprecedented legacy achievements in all the sectors, the entire people of Nasarawa North Senatorial district including traditional rulers are anxious to reward him with a Senatorial seat.

    He said, the Senatorial district needs more people oriented representation and Governor Abdullahi Sule with his pedigree, exposure and experience would tackle the challenges if he proceed to the Senate.

    Though, he acknowledged the efforts of the past and present senators in the zone, he pointed out that Engr Sule as Senator will open doors for the delivery of dividends of democracy for the zone, adding that, just the way he change the narrative in the state, he will do same as Senator for the zone.

    He explained further that Sule would use a different and pragmatic approach to bring the  much-needed succour to Nasarawa North.

    Also speaking, a former commissioner of information in the state during the first tenure of Governor Sule, Danlandi Dogo Shammah said “Engr Sule will offer something different compared to what past and present senators have offered regarding human resources development and capacity building of the downtrodden.

    “He will improve our people’s socio economic well being by creating employment and bringing investments that would create businesses by establishing industries to boost the economic life welfare of our people, he is already doing it as Governor and will sustain it as Senator.” he said

    However, the activities of these proponents of ‘Governor Sule for Senate’ has generated a lot of discussions in the political circle of the state and has altered the calculations of some politicians scheming for various elective offices from the Northern Senatorial zone of the state.

    But Governor Abdullahi Sule had last week responded to these clarion call by prevailing on them not to distract him by embarking on early political campaigns ahead of 2027 but to allow him focus on his present mandate.

    Governor Sule made the call when he hosted a delegation of traditional rulers and stakeholders from Akwanga Local Government Area led by the Chun Mada, HRH Pastor Samson Gamu Yare at the Government House.

    He said that it was not yet time to talk about the 2027 race in the state, as he is preoccupied with implementing his vision for the state

    The Governor particularly called on those already campaigning for him to join the race for the Nasarawa North senatorial district to desist henceforth as he focuses on delivering on his mandate given to him by the entire people of the state.

    He distanced himself from any political campaigns linking him to any senatorial ambition come 2027.

    “I have been focusing my attention that by the grace of God, the next two years will be the best years ever for our administration.  We are doing our best to do that. But you know we can’t do that if we are distracted by campaigns. If you see anybody campaigning for Engr A. A Sule as a senator, the person is doing it on his own. I have not told anybody that I am interested in going for Senate,” he said.

    He emphasized that he is presently focusing his attention on the two years that is remaining for his administration and to focus on the work in his hands.

    “My attention is on my two years. I’m trying to spend more time on these two years. Anybody campaigning for something they are doing it on their own. If that is the case, I can not join these earlier campaigns even if I am interested in something like that.

    “I am pleading with those who are doing that to focus more on the work that we are doing and to help me by allowing me also to focus on what I am doing. Because what I am doing is more important than all these early campaigns,” he stated.

    Governor Sule used the opportunity to also called on especially elected officials from Nasarawa North to also focus on their various mandates and to deliver, instead of embarking on early campaigns.

    He pointed out that if these officials are able to deliver on their mandates, there won’t be need for a prolonged campaign as the people would ensure they are returned at the end of their tenure.

    The Governor said he is doing everything possible to project the zone as a zone that has the capacity to produce leaders who have fear of God,  people who also have good intentions, people who also love the state and who are doing their best for the state, not just for themselves.

    “Always, what I say about anyone giving the opportunity of leadership from our zone is that it is not just for you. It is for the whole zone. Because when you do well, it’s the zone that looks good. If you do not do well, it is the zone that looks bad,” he said.

    He reiterated that the two years ahead of him will be the most productive for his administration, moreso with the signing into law the 2025 budget pegged at over N384bn, which is so far, the largest in the history of the state.

    “One statement that I had made over and I will continue to make it is if you look at our budget, year 2025. We came into government from 2019-2023. The total budget of these four years is equivalent to the budget of this single year. That means it will require a lot of effort to drive this budget, to implement it, to work on it, and to ensure that it succeeds.

    “Most of the time, budgets in Nasarawa State, before I came, performance of budget have been anywhere between 50 to maybe 65 percent.  That has been the performance of the budget in Nasarawa State.  Last year, our budget performance wanted to go beyond 100 percent.  That’s why we had to pass a supplementary budget. That is why this year you have seen us taking the budget where it is. We are hoping that we will all come together and be more focused in the direction we have chosen,” he stated.

    According the Governor, his administration has two years more to be able to demonstrate its performance.

    “We have roughly two good years to operate. I want to make sure that these two years that we are running are some of the most productive two years that we ever had in this our administration,” he said.

    He said that explains why he gave the contractor handling the construction of the multi million naira new state secretariat complex a dateline to complete the project, not only the first phase that has been completed but the second phase also

    “The budget that we have now is N384bn. I came into the state when the total budget was around N90bn. That was, on average. Now, we have a budget that is big enough to cover the entire four years. I know for Nasarawa State that it is a huge budget. We need to get up. We need to work as a people for the implementation of that budget. Budget is both ways, the right side and the left side, the input and the output.  We have to work very hard to ensure that the revenue comes in for us to expend,” he stated.

    He however expressed satisfaction that the state is beginning to witness better revenue, and that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to turn around the economy of the country.

    “We are beginning to get commendations from outside the state. I am not worried about the one you get from within the state because they said a prophet is not honoured in his home. We have two years to be able to show our performance, to set certain records. I’m happy that all of you came. I am happy with all your kind comments. I don’t want to leave quietly. I want to leave with a bang, with a record that somebody is coming to follow up,” he said.

    On the emerging security challenges along the ongoing Akwanga bypass linking the Akwanga-Abuja road with the Akwanga-Jos road, the Governor said it is expected that wherever there are development there is bound to be challenges.

    Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chun Mada, HRH Pastor Samson Gamu Yare, said the entire zone is proud of Governor Sule as a result of his exemplary leadership and for embarking on far-reaching development initiatives that is unprecedented in the history of the state.

    The royal father described Governor Sule as one of the best in the history of the state, particularly with visible projects spread across not only Akwanga Local Government Area but the entire state.

  • China trip: ATT urges govs to emulate Nasarawa gov’s efforts on solid minerals

    China trip: ATT urges govs to emulate Nasarawa gov’s efforts on solid minerals

    The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has commended Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for successfully attracting foreign investment in the development of solid minerals, urging other governors to follow his example.

    Governor Sule recently secured a $250 million commitment from Kenyang Mining Company to establish a tantalite processing plant in Udege, Nasarawa Local Government Area, with completion expected within 24 months.

    ATT Chief Convener Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu praised the governor’s trip to China as exemplary, highlighting that it was fully sponsored by Lovol, a Chinese firm, at no cost to the state government.

    “We commend Governor Sule for ensuring that Kenyang, which has been mining and exporting raw tantalite from Udege since 2003, agreed to set up a processing plant. This project is a game-changer that will boost the local economy and create jobs, including a minimum monthly salary of N500,000 for degree holders,” Yakubu said.

    He added that the governor’s efforts have also attracted other investments, including a commitment from an industrial equipment manufacturing firm to establish a maintenance facility in Nasarawa State.

    Yakubu noted that Governor Sule’s visit to lithium processing plants and agricultural hubs in China has further reinforced his resolve to prioritize agriculture and fully utilize Nasarawa’s arable land.

    Read Also: God willing, I will be next Nasarawa Governor – Wadada

    “The governor observed how China maximized its land for agriculture, which is the backbone of their economy. He has pledged to implement similar strategies in Nasarawa State,” Yakubu said.

    He emphasized the importance of merit and talent, citing China’s progress as a lesson for Nigeria.

    “Governor Sule’s trip highlights the need for unity and focus on meritocracy in developing our nation. We urge other governors to take similar initiatives and put politics, tribe, and religion aside for the greater good of Nigeria,” he added.

    The ATT however described the governor’s trip as a model for visionary leadership, stressing that such efforts are crucial for unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential through solid minerals and agricultural development.

  • God willing, I will be next Nasarawa Governor – Wadada

    God willing, I will be next Nasarawa Governor – Wadada

    Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West) has boasted he will be the next Governor of the State by the special grace of God in 2027.

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) lawmaker, who is chairman Senate Committee on Public Accounts, said the All Progressive Congress, (APC) is in his bone marrow having played a key role to its formation. 

    He spoke during an interview with some select Journalists in his Keffi residence, adding that he has all that it takes to be the Governor.

    According to him: “I had intention to govern the state from birth, and I first declare the intention in 2019, I participated and played the role that I played, today God in his infinite mercy has put it in much clearer terms that I’m the most qualified for it, and others too are equally qualified for it. 

    ” I’m by the grace of God gunning for the Governorship of Nasarawa state come 2027, because base on my records of public service and God mercies upon me, I have all its takes to be Governor of Nasarawa state.  

    “I’m sitting on a mandate today in the Senate under a different platform, there is nothing wrong in people calling me to join APC, APC is in my bone marrow, what culminated to the emergence of APC, one of the greatest critical ingredients was the PDP2, the New-PDP, I was the national financial secretary of N-PDP which later merged to form the APC. 

    “I added the needed colours and values to the merger, situationally, I have to leave APC, born out of my high risk bearing, anybody that you see succeeds in life, that person risk bearing must be very high. 

    ” Some people felt they could do what they did, we were not in a position to stop them, but because God says his world is wide, it is actually a clarion call from God, I will be the next Governor of Nasarawa state by the special grace of God, it’s God calling and no one can stop it “

    Wadada clarified insinuations he is disrespectful to elders saying “I’m not a disrespectful person, I was well bred, the only difference is that you can’t trample on me and I will just allow you to go, that is all, once you trample on my rights due to certain temporal privileges you enjoyed, that is when you see the other side of me. 

    ” I don’t take chances, you can not take me for granted, the movement you do, I look up to your face and tell you, to hail, that is all, and I mind my business, and in this part of the world, minding your business, saying it the way it is, you are considered disrespectful. 

    “If I’m truly disrespectful, I wouldn’t have withdrawn my case in 2015 and everybody saw what transpired at the primaries of APC in 2019 but from the venue of the primaries, the first pot of call was to then Governor Al-makura and Senator Abdullahi Adamu houses to pledge my loyalty to them and to the success of the party, and I played a role, clean cleared role, morally, spiritually and financially and we know the role that everybody played, it is just God, forget it.”

  • Gov Sule threatens use of force to restore peace in troubled areas in Nasarawa

    Gov Sule threatens use of force to restore peace in troubled areas in Nasarawa

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has stated that his administration may resort to the use of force to restore peace in parts of the state if peaceful dialogue fails. 

    Governor Sule made this declaration on Thursday at a one-day Afo Youth Summit on peace and security, organized by the Nasarawa Peace and Prosperity Project Through Law (NAPP-LAW) in Keffi. 

    He appealed to the Afo Nation to embrace peace for the development of their communities and the state at large. However, he warned that if peaceful efforts were rejected, his administration would have no choice but to take decisive action to ensure stability. 

    The Governor emphasised that the Afo Nation has no justification for continued unrest, particularly as their region is endowed with valuable natural resources such as lithium and other rare minerals in high demand globally. 

    Describing the violence as a national embarrassment, Governor Sule lamented the loss of lives due to conflicts among people who once coexisted peacefully. He cautioned against allowing political differences to plunge the community into chaos. 

    Drawing from his experience in the private sector, the Governor highlighted that investors avoid areas plagued by insecurity. He stressed that without peace in Afo land, only illegal miners would exploit the region’s resources, causing environmental destruction and leaving the community worse off. 

    Governor Sule reiterated his commitment to fostering peace but made it clear that his government would not shy away from enforcing order if necessary to safeguard lives and development in the state. 

    “I worked for investors, and I understand the language of investors. Investors will invest only where there is peace. Where there is no peace, no serious investor will go there. Only illegal miners, who would bring no benefit to the community, would go there,” he stated.

    While highlighting the various efforts made by his administration to address security challenges in the area, including the establishment of a military base and the construction of the Mararaba-Udege-Agwada road, among others, Governor Sule, however, threatened to deploy tougher measures if the people failed to reconcile their differences and embrace peace.

    “I am begging you in the name of God to reconcile your differences and live in peace. As a Governor, it’s my responsibility to start by begging, by pleading, by appealing. If all that does not work, we will apply force. Because it is our responsibility to maintain peace in the area. We will apply force if everything else does not work. Because we cannot afford to keep going like this over and over,” he stated.

    He urged participants at the summit to serve as trainers for other youths to cascade down the message of peace and reconciliation among the Afo people.

    Speaking as the Father of the Day, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the Adeweji of the Afo Nation, blamed some Afo elites for refusing to key into all the efforts being made to broker peace in the areas affected by the crisis.

    Read Also: Gov Sule suspends TSC boss, members over illegal recruitment of teachers

    The first civilian governor of the state lamented that the crisis in Afo land, particularly in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Udeni Beki, Akum, Udeni Gida, Udeni Magaji areas, and Mararaba as the seat of the development area, started in earnest last year.

    “When this was happening, efforts continued to be made by people who thought they had the voice and the image to advise. But somehow we didn’t see the desired result. Some people are part and parcel of this community who have had the privilege of service to the community and the state, and who, up to this point in time, we have not been able to get to join the efforts for looking for peace in that community,” he said.

    He, however, challenged the youths to embrace peace for the development of the Afo Nation.

    In a keynote address, Ahmed Salihu, Executive Director, Centre for Community Actions for Peace and Development (CCAPAD), said the summit was organised to bring the Afo Nation together to discuss their problems to proffer practical solutions.

  • 80% of illegally recruited teachers in Nasarawa can’t write acceptance letters – Sule

    80% of illegally recruited teachers in Nasarawa can’t write acceptance letters – Sule

    Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, stated that about 80 percent of the illegally recruited secondary school teachers in Nasarawa State cannot write an acceptance letter.

    He vowed that his administration would not absorb those illegally employed by the Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC), which he recently suspended, and ordered a thorough investigation into the illegal recruitment.

    Governor Sule made this known yesterday when he hosted a coalition of denominations under the aegis of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on a thank-you visit at the Government House.

    In response to the request by the Nasarawa State Chairman of CAN, the Very Reverend Dr. Sunday Emma, for his administration to absorb all those illegally employed by the TSC, the Governor stated that this would not be possible because most of them lack the requisite qualifications to teach.

    “You are asking me to absorb them. Reverend, look at it two ways. I am not saying that I want to cause some people problems.  I was told some of these people who paid money are not even qualified to teach. I was told some of them have given as much as 700, 600 thousand naira. These are people who would be paid less than 100, 000.

    “I was told 80 percent of them could not even write acceptance letters. If you are the Governor Sir, and you are being told all these. If we are helping them, we are not helping our educational system. That means we can completely forget about our desire to reform the educational system,” he stated.

    He explained that on coming into office in 2019, he commissioned some educationists to carry out a baseline survey of schools across the state after which they reported on the deplorable condition of the educational sector of the state.

    “They came back and said they needed buildings, we have done that, they needed curriculum we have done that, amongst others. They also said we needed teachers. They said let us start with 1000 teachers. So we approved the employment of 1000 teachers,” he said.

    He added that he gave approval for the TSC to recruit only 1000 teachers but they went ahead to employ more than 1000 additional teachers.

    “They brought to me among the 1000, 50 slots because they know there are a lot of people that would approach me to ask for slots. I said no, don’t give me any fifty. Go ahead and employ all of them based on merit. I don’t even have a single slot. The reason is that our educational system in the state is grossly decayed and we need to bring it up. If we don’t have qualified teachers if we employ teachers based on this-one-knows-this-one, we may not have the kind of good teachers that we are looking for,” he said.

    Governor Sule decried the fact that most of those employed by the TSC even refused to be posted out to the hinterlands but instead chose to remain in urban centres, to the detriment of the population in the rural areas.

    “You cannot bring people who cannot teach, who will refuse to go to the villages where we need teachers, choosing to remain in the cities. They have to remain in Lafia, Akwanga, Keffi, Karu. Some of them don’t even want to go to Toto to talk less of Gudi. These are the problems we are facing. 

    Read Also: Governor Sule inaugurates committee to probe teachers’ recruitment irregularities

    “I don’t want you to feel that you have pleaded with me, and I have refused to help. In reality, I don’t have any problem helping whomever, but I don’t want to bastardize our education system,” he said.

    While awaiting the outcome of the committee set up to investigate the matter, he said the best option out of the predicament is for his administration to organize another interview session for all those employed, including the 1000 teachers already approved, to give everyone the opportunity and to be able to select the best amongst them.

    “Let our selection of competent teachers come from there so that they can be given equal opportunity. This time around, we will not allow these types of people to engage them.  We cannot get it right if we fail to do the right thing. My dream is to get it right in Nasarawa State.  That is the dream of my colleague. But we can’t get it right except if we are honest to ourselves,” he stated.

  • JUST IN: Four family members killed in Nasarawa car crash

    JUST IN: Four family members killed in Nasarawa car crash

    A family of four, who had spent the Christmas and New Year holidays in Benue State, tragically lost their lives in a fatal car accident at Akwanga, Nasarawa State, on Sunday while returning to Abuja.

    Eyewitnesses report that Victor Tyohemba, an Abuja-based accountant, his wife, a lawyer, and their two children were traveling back when their vehicle suffered a mechanical failure, rolled over, and caught fire. 

    The intense flames left the victims with severe burns, making their identities unrecognizable.

    Read Also: Nasarawa now nation’s agric powerhouse – Shettima

    The family was laid to rest on Monday in Igbo village, Gwer East Local Government Area, Benue State. 

    The emotional burial ceremony in Igbor settlement saw the casket containing their remains lowered into the grave amidst profound grief from relatives and mourners.