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 Rehabilitation Of The Toto - Umaisha Road, On Saturday, 12th April, 2008. 

PROTOCOL:

We are gathered here today for the flag-off ceremony of the rehabilitation of the Toto -Umaisha road.  You would all recall that during my electioneering campaign, I noted with concern the deplorable condition of this road. At that time, I did promise that the rehabilitation of the road would be given priority consideration by my Administration.  Today, I am fulfilled and grateful to the Almighty God for the opportunity offered me to redeem this pledge.

2.         It is against this background that the contract for the rehabilitation of the road was awarded to Messrs Bulletine Construction (Nig) Ltd. at the cost of One Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty Million, Six Hundred and Thirty-eight Thousand, Sixty-two Naira, Fifty Kobo (N1,230,638,062.50).  The project has a completion period of six months.

3.         As you are all aware, this road has suffered deterioration for many years.  This is not unconnected with the unfortunate communal crises that engulfed and plagued the entire area and retarded peaceful co-existence among the people.

4.         Let me reiterate that no development can take place in an atmosphere of mutual suspicion and rancour.  It is, therefore, incumbent on all of us to strive to bequeath a legacy of brotherhood, unity and progress to the present and future generations of our people. 

5.         Ladies and gentlemen, I will like to dedicate the construction of this road to the spirit of peace and development that now prevails in this area.  Let the road be a symbol of our determination to pursue the path of peace, solidarity and progress at all times. The road should also symbolize the consolidation of a new era of love, peace, unity and prosperity in this part of the State for the benefit of all.

6.         It is my expectation that with the prevailing peace, coupled with the rehabilitation of this road, investors will be attracted to exploit the vast natural endowments existing in this area, especially in agriculture, tourism and solid minerals.  It is my belief that this will translate into socio-economic advantages for the people of this Local Government Area, the State and country as a whole.

7.         I note with satisfaction that Bulletine Nigeria Ltd. appreciates the commitment of this Administration to an early completion of this road project and has quickly mobilized to site. It is my hope, and indeed my expectation, that the company would complete the project in accordance with specification and in good time.

8.         At this juncture, I will like to call on all benefitting communities to give the company handling the project maximum cooperation to enable Bulletine (Nig.) Ltd discharge its contractual obligations.

9.         Ladies and gentlemen, to whom much is given, much is expected. I therefore want to use this opportunity to call on the communities of this area to strive to live in perpetual peace and harmony with one another. Let us leave the past to history and face the future with hope, determination and promise.

10.       I must not forget to conclude this address by calling on all of you to give maximum support, understanding and cooperation to this Administration. Only in this way can the Government be encouraged and committed to do more for the people.

11.       On this note, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to flag-off the rehabilitation of the 50KM Toto -Umaisha road.

12.       Thank you and God bless.