Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has called on Nigerians to use the memorable event of the nation’s 63 independence anniversary for a sober reflection on the country’s journey so far.
He urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu in his reform processes to put the country on the path of development and growth.
The governor made the plea in Lafia, on the occasion of the 63 independence anniversary celebration which coincided with the 27th anniversary of the creation of Nasarawa State.
He said the president meant well for the country through his initiatives to make life more meaningful for Nigerians.
The governor noted that the current pains Nigerians are going through occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy is temporary, adding that better days are ahead.
Gov Sule noted that despite the challenges his administration remained determined to deliver on its mandate by meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the state.
The governor used the occasion of independence to announce the upward review of vehicle and furniture loans to civil servants from N10 to N50 million.
He said the move was intended to allow for wider participation and to enhance the purchasing power of the beneficiaries.
He also announced plans to expand the scope of the ongoing Cash Transfer Scheme from N5000 stipend every month to N7000.
The governor said his administration had recently absorbed and issued permanent and pensionable appointments to about 1,000 workers who were engaged on a casual basis since the creation of the state.
He continued: “In our determination to improve the living standard of our people, the government restored the 100 percent payment of the monthly pension to the state retirees. This course of action has transformed the living conditions of our retirees in the state.
“The government also addressed the percentage payment of pension and salaries of Local Government employees. As of today, we have stabilized the payment of salaries of workers and pension of Local Government retirees at 100 percent.”
In the area of education, the governor restated the commitment of his administration to channel enormous resources towards enhancing the educational sector of the state.
“In this regard, we have facilitated the mass construction and rehabilitation of classroom blocks in our primary and secondary schools across the State. This is based on our conviction that a conducive environment enhances effective teaching and learning.
“Similarly, we have employed about three thousand, five hundred (3,500) teachers in our State Secondary Schools. We also employed additional teaching and non-teaching staff in our State tertiary institutions. This is geared towards enhancing the educational development of our dear State.
“In our commitment to encourage Science and Technical Education, we have established the Faculties of Engineering and Medicine in the Nasarawa State University, Keffi. I am informed that the University has released admissions into the new faculties for full take-off of the 2023/2024 academic activities,” he added.
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FEDERAL INFORMATION CENTRE, LAFIA.
