Being Text of a Speech by His Excellency, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON (Garkuwan Doma), Executive Governor of Nasarawa State on the Occasion of the Flag Off Ceremony of the Construction of the Doma - Agyaragu; Kadarko - Giza - Keana; Agaza - Agwatashi; Obi - Assakio Road, Thursday, 10^th April, 2008

PROTOCOLS:

As you are aware, we are gathered here today for a very significant event in the lives of the communities of this area.  This occasion is for the flag-off of the Doma - Agyaragu; Kadarko - Giza - Keana; Agaza - Agwatashi; Obi - Assakio road.  This is a road project that the entire communities of this area and their well-wishers have looked forward to.  I therefore congratulate you for this project.

2.         I need to state that this event is the third in the series of flag-off ceremonies which we started a few weeks ago. Our presence here today is a manifestation of our intention to carry out and complete the first phase of our programme of major road construction across the State.

3.         The contract for the construction of this road from Doma through Agyaragu; Kadarko - Giza - Keana; Agaza - Agwatashi; Obi and Assakio was awarded to Messrs Golden Construction Nig. Ltd. at a total cost of Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Ninety Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-nine Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy-two Naira (N3,990,359,772.00).  The project has a completion period of 18 months.

4.         The road covers a distance of 88KM and cuts across Six (6) Local Governments and/or Development Areas, namely Doma, Jenkwe, Giza, Keana, Obi and Lafia-East. It is the longest road in this first phase of our road construction programme.

5.         Permit me to state that Government was motivated to embark on the construction of this road because of the need to enhance the socio-economic status of the communities living in these areas. As you may be aware, this road passes through some of the major agricultural, solid mineral and tourism sites in the State. It is envisaged that the construction of this road will further boost the exploitation of these economic opportunities by local and international investors.

6.         It is therefore a challenge to the people of this area in particular, and the entire citizens of the State in general, to explore and engage in various economic enterprises, as well as sustain the existing atmosphere of good neighbourliness, peace and tranquility.

7.         Ladies and Gentlemen, I note with satisfaction that this Administration’s initiative in embarking on massive construction of urban and rural roads has continued to attract tremendous goodwill from various individuals, communities and organizations. We are encouraged by this development. We intend to construct more roads in due course under phase II of the road construction programme in the State. It is in this spirit that I wish to call on corporate organizations and development agencies to partner with us in this endeavour.

8.         At this Juncture, let me commend Messrs Golden Construction Nig. Ltd. for demonstrating its preparedness to do an excellent job by quickly mobilizing to site. This move is reassuring and I urge them to sustain the tempo of work on the project so that it can be completed according to standard and in good time.

9.         I must also not forget to appeal to all benefiting communities to extend their cooperation to the construction company in the discharge of its assignment.

10.       In conclusion, let me thank all our supporters, friends, and associates who have joined us today to witness this historic occasion. I appreciate your encouraging presence and pray that Almighty Allah will take you back to your various destinations safely.

11.       On this note, it is now my pleasure to flag-off the construction of the Doma - Agyaragu; Kadarko - Giza - Keana; Agaza - Agwatashi; Obi - Assakio road project.

12.       Thank you and God bless.