Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma has called on the Youth of Nasarawa State to brace up to the challenges of development by embracing his Administration’s economic empowerment programmes.

The Governor was speaking in Lafia during the commissioning ceremony of a Nasarawa State Map model constructed and donated to Government House by a Youth Corps Member, Miss Fatima Bani Al-Maja. Describing the project as laudable, Governor Akwe Doma said it will contribute significantly to the fulfilment of the Administration’s 13-point agenda.

Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma who was represented at the ceremony by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Timothy A. Anjide, noted that the project by Miss Fatima Al-Maja “was in tandem with the ideals of the NYSC scheme which is that our youth should live in communities other than their own and at the end of their posting, be able to leave enduring and lasting legacies for the communities”.

Stating that the project was the first to be undertaken by any Youth Corps Members in Government House since the inception of this Administration, Governor Akwe Doma praised the exemplary and outstanding conduct of Fatima, noting that since her deployment to Government House, she has contributed significantly to the work processes in the Protocol and Communications departments. The Governor also said that he has been informed about the other public spirited and humanitarian activities of Miss Al-Maja.

According to Governor Akwe Doma, “it is in this regard, and all things considered, that I have requested the NYSC authorities to consider the Corps Member for an appropriate award”.

Speaking at the occasion, State Coordinator of the NYSC in Nasarawa State, Mrs. Rhoda Kaka Kwaki, thanked the Nasarawa State Government for granting the scheme a conducive atmosphere to operate in the State.

Mrs. Kwaki stated that the NYSC management was delighted to have been given a prominent position to locate its project within Government House, revealing that it was for this reason that she decided to personally attend the commissioning ceremony as her first public function in the State. She therefore called on all Youth Corps members to copy the example of Miss Fatima Al-Maja whom she said had made the NYSC very proud by her achievements.

Welcoming guests earlier, the donor, Miss Fatima Al-Maja, said she conceived the project as her modest contribution to the beautification of Government House and to serve as a tourist landmark for the many local and international visitors who will visit Nasarawa State, now and in the future.

Miss Al-Maja praised Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma for being a father and a role model who has played a very important and significant role in shaping her outlook in life. She therefore pledged her resolve to live a life of service to any community she may find myself in future.

The ceremony was attended by top Government officials including the Commissioners for Lands and Survey, Muhammad Kabir Abubakar as well as that of Women and Youth Affairs. Others are the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Silas Dachor and several Directors in the service of Nasarawa State Government.