…Urges respectful politicking ahead elections
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has called on citizens and political actors to preserve the state’s peaceful atmosphere and unity to attract major global investments.
He said peace is the single most critical catalyst for global investments.
Governor Sule made the call on Tuesday in Lafia while delivering his address at the Nasarawa State Cultural Carnival, an event organised as part of the week-long celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Nasarawa State.
He said the State has significantly advanced to maturity over three decades with a rich heritage, which, he noted was displayed during the carnival.
”Let me, first and foremost, thank you sincerely for this wonderful display of our culture. Indeed, Nasarawa State has come of age. From what you have seen, you have demonstrated that we are still a people who are proud of their culture,” Sule stated.
Governor Sule commended the design of the state’s Solid Minerals Truck, which showcased the region’s vast natural wealth.
He noted that, Nasarawa was uniquely endowed with seven critical minerals found in Nigeria, which has positioned the state as an emerging industrial hub.
”I know the world is aware that Nasarawa State is very lucky, that out of the seven critical minerals that exist in Nigeria, all the seven of them are present in Nasarawa State. We have already started by attracting investors who are setting up their facilities not only to mine the mineral, but also to process them here. We have already commissioned a couple of companies, including the largest lithium processing plant in Africa,”he said.
He cautioned, however, that economic growth hinges on sustained peace saying:
”Most investors who are looking at Nasarawa will only continue to look at Nasarawa if there is peace in the State. Once there is huge misunderstanding that leads to crisis, none of them will show interest.”
Governor Sule expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic and security initiatives, declaring that Nasarawa State would embrace the state policing model.
”I want to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms and all the various reforms that he has done that are making it possible for various states to generate their own electricity, generate their own revenue, and provide their own security.
“We have just received the bill on state police, and we are going to join other states of the federation to ensure that we believe in the state police because we believe that is going to help the people of Nasarawa State,” he said.
He advised citizens against allowing political differences to divide them stressing that his administration has brought about improvement in workers welfare, healthcare, education, and technical skill development across the state.
“Thirty years ago, if somebody was there, coming to Lafia today, the person will not accept that this is the same Lafia. This is the work of unity. This is the work of leadership. I wish you a happy 30th anniversary of the creation of Nasarawa State,” he said.
