By Ali Abare
It is an irrefutable fact that Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration has been marked by transformative projects that would incontrovertibly leave indelible marks on Nasarawa State.
It is also true that Governor Sule has embarked upon strategic initiatives that not only addresses pressing needs but also sets a new standard for future development, which the administration hopefully would leave behind as legacy projects.
Recall that in his second Inaugural speech delivered on May 29th, 2023, the Governor considered his reelection by the people of Nasarawa State through their free minded votes as an affirmation of his stewardship and an endorsement of his determination for the future, to continue to focus the administration’s vision, creativity, energy and preoccupation with developmental and harmonious governance.
“Our goal is to sustain increase in productivity by leveraging on competitive advantages of our dear State, towards achieving inclusive economic growth and socio-economic transformation, which would continue to translate into substantial improvements in the quality of lives,” he stated.
These legacy projects are therefore in fulfilments of the aspirations, goals and direction of the administration towards redeeming promises made to the people of the state. The projects are also in line with resolutions arrived as during the various meetings of the Progressive Governors Forum, aimed at accelerating growth and development across the states governed under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
These legacy projects are testaments to Governor Sule’s leadership and his administration’s resolve to drive sustainable growth and development in Nasarawa State. By exploring these initiatives, we gain insight into the governor’s vision for a prosperous and modern Nasarawa, where citizens can thrive and reach their full potential.
As we delve into the details of these projects, it becomes clear that Governor Sule’s legacy extends beyond brick and mortar, representing a fundamental shift in the state’s trajectory. His commitment to excellence and service to the people of Nasarawa State has earned him recognition, including the prestigious Diamond Prize for Innovative Leadership award from the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations.
Even though Governor Sule’s legacy projects cut across the length and breathe of Nasarawa State, for the moment, we would limit ourselves to the two exemplary legacy projects that showcase the Governor’s vision and commitment to progress namely the Lafia ultra-modern state secretariat and the Lafia flyover and underpass.
The Lafia ultra-modern state secretariat represents a significant leap forward in administrative efficiency, providing a conducive environment for civil servants to deliver exceptional service. This project demonstrates Governor Sule’s focus on creating an enabling environment for effective governance.
It is also a known fact that Nasarawa State has remained one of the few states in the country without a befitting structure serving as the state secretariat, a landmark that can be seen across most states of the federation.
To this end, Governor Sule approved and performed the groundbreaking for the construction of a state-of-the-art state secretariat complex estimated at over N6.9bn.
The project, designed by local engineers and contracted to indigenous contractors, is being undertaken in phases, with the first phase comprising of the offices of Secretary to the State Government, as well as that of the Head of Service, estimated at over N2bn, already reaching advanced stage of completion, now a domineering glass and steel edifice on the skyline along Shendam Road.
According to the Governor and while flagging off the construction work, at 27, Nasarawa State has come of age and deserves a befitting secretariat that would portray her image as a viable, vibrant resource endowed state given its strategic location in the North Central geo-political zone and proximity to the FCT.
“This edifice will cover 35 hectares and is designed into ground floor, first floor and second floor comprising office of the SSG and that of the HOS and then the various ministries and auxiliary buildings.
“The phase one is awarded to Messrs Shelter Development Construction Limited at the cost of N2, 969, 397. 15 with completion period of eight months.
“This project is being handled by a local consultant. And the design was made by the same local consultant. The construction is also being carried out by a highly reputable construction company which is also local. They have demonstrated capacity and are undertaking jobs at various places across the country,” Governor Sule stated.
Similarly, the Lafia flyover and underpass embodies the administration’s dedication to infrastructural development, streamlining traffic flow, and enhancing connectivity within the state capital.
This project has not only improved the aesthetic appeal of Lafia but also reflects Governor Sule’s proactive approach to addressing urbanization challenges.
The Lafia flyover and underpass project which is reaching advanced stage of completion and can be seen dominating the landscape at the centre of the city would not only beautify Lafia, but also upgrade the status of the city to that of a modern state capital.
It was however, a herculean endeavor, especially considering the enormous responsibility shouldered by the state government in terms of paying compensation for structures demolished before actual work commenced on the site.
Kudos must therefore be given to the Governor Sule’s administration for being committed and steadfast in its determination to transform Nasarawa State, particularly Lafia, the state capital to a befitting status being the capital of the Home of Solid Minerals, and the state hosting the largest lithium processing factory in the world.
Abare is the Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Nasarawa State.
