Being Text of an Address Delivered by His Excellency, Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON, (Madauchin Doma), Executive Governor, Nasarawa State on the Occasion of the Celebration of the Nigeria’s 10th Democracy Day and 2nd Anniversary of the Administration, Lafia Township Stadium, May 29, 2009

PROTOCOL:

I am grateful to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to address you today, on the occasion of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the return of un-interrupted democratic rule to Nigeria. Significantly, the occasion also marks the 2nd anniversary of our Administration in Nasarawa State.

On behalf of the Government and people of Nasarawa State, I heartily congratulate His Excellency, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I also rejoice with all our country men and women on this historic occasion.

My dear people of Nasarawa State, I believe that the large turnout at this event is a demonstration of your solidarity and support for this Administration. It is also a reflection of your abiding faith in democracy, which is the surest way of fulfilling our collective aspirations and self actualisation. Indeed, I must acknowledge that in the past two years, our unity of purpose has given us the inspiration and strength to forge ahead, in the daunting task of providing good leadership and sustainable development for our people.

Ladies and gentlemen, I need to restate that on assumption of office, this Administration was confronted and challenged by the enormity of the fundamental issues of weak socio-economic base, absence of entrepreneurship culture, inadequate infrastructural facilities and heavy debt burden, in the face of scarce resources.

We were confronted with the stark realities of settling liabilities on one hand, and our commitment to the imperatives of accelerated development on the other. What is more, we needed to turn around a comatose bureaucracy into a virile, motivated and competent agent for service delivery.

However, in the face of these realities, we have remained resolute, resilient and focused in stewardship. We have left no one in doubt of the clarity of our vision and the sincerity of our mission. We are determined to create a platform of abundant opportunities and happiness for all.

Guided by these developments, we formulated a 13-point agenda which was premised on the principles of visioning, planning, prioritization, prudence, meritocracy and participatory governance. We resolved to be committed to only programmes and projects which have direct bearing on the lives of our people.

We are encouraged by the general response that by our efforts, we are touching the hearts of our people and leaving our marks in the annals of history.

My dear compatriots, at a time and occasion such as this, I consider it a duty to summarise the highlights of the achievements of our stewardship over the past two years, in keeping with the principle of accountability.

Security
Government has continued to cooperate and collaborate with security agencies in the State. Necessary infrastructures, logistics and motivational incentives have been accorded security agencies to enhance the performance of their constitutional responsibilities. Remarkably, peaceful co-existence has been recorded and sustained among and between the various communities and interest groups in the State. The performance and cooperation of our traditional rulers and security agencies in this regard, is commendable.

Agriculture:
Agriculture is a priority area in our development efforts. It is the main economic activity and source of livelihood of our people. Achievements recorded in this sector include:

1. Procurement of 200 tractors for our farmers;
2. Procurement of 1.3million bags of assorted fertilizers in the last two years and sold to our farmers at 62% subsidy. This is to say, at N1,800 per bag;
3. Procurement of 960 tons of assorted grains for our Strategic Grain Reserve;
4. Payment of N212million counterpart contribution to honour our commitments to National Food and Agricultural programmes;
5. Release of N100millon to the Nigeria Agricultural Foundation as our contribution for the sustainable development of the Nigerian National Agricultural Show complex located at Tundun Wada, in Karu Local Government Area of the State.

The construction of the Yam Conditioning Centre in Keffi is on-going. Meanwhile, arrangements have been completed for the exportation of our yams to the United Kingdom through the instrumentality of Nasarawa Produce and Marketing Development Company Ltd. This Company has since been reorganized and restructured. All things being equal, the first formal shipment of our yams under the product name of "Pepa Yam Nigeria" shall commence soon.

In the area of livestock development, new Veterinary Clinics have been constructed at Obi, Doma and Lafia, while the ones at Akwanga, Keffi and Nasarawa have been rehabilitated. The Modern Abattoir in Lafia has been equipped at the cost of N150 million.

Government is determined to promote large scale production of crops for which the State has comparative advantage, especially, yams, beniseed, cassava and rice. To this end, we have taken measures, in consultation with stakeholders, to ensure that our farmers take maximum advantage of the current agricultural incentives offered by the Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria.

Government is also expanding and strengthening Agricultural Extension Services in the State. One Hundred and Fifty-three Agricultural Extension Workers have been recruited and are undergoing extensive training.

In keeping with our policy of ensuring massive agricultural production in the State, Government has finalized arrangements for the take-off of a Bada Koshi Agricultural Scheme in the State. This scheme will be flagged-off at the launching of this year’s cropping season.

Education:
Ladies and gentlemen, the importance of Education in the socio-economic transformation of our State cannot be overemphasised. This Administration is, therefore, committed to according the sector topmost priority. To this end, we have taken concrete steps towards revamping and repositioning the school system from a near total collapse.

Sustained efforts being taken to salvage the situation include:

1. General rehabilitation, reconstruction and upgrading of school infrastructures;
2. Provision of classroom furniture and instructional materials;
3. Procurement of prescribed textbooks as well as exercise books;
4. Recruitment of over 1,600 teachers for both primary and post-primary institutions. Promotion of over 3,000 teachers in addition to the training and re-training of 2,500 others;
5. The new National Teachers’ Salary Scale (TSS) in Primary and Secondary Schools, as well as the new salary structures in tertiary and allied institutions, have since been approved and implemented;
6. Settlement of arrears and regularization of counterpart payments to the Universal Basic Education Commission to restore the needed partnership with the organization;
7. Settlement of inherited contractual liabilities to the tune of over N3 billion;
8. Backlog of Scholarship allowances for the period 2004 – 2007 have been cleared;
9. Payment of WAEC registration fees for all eligible students in the State has been introduced, with effect from the 2008/2009 school year.

Government has increased scholarship allowances by 15% across board. The award of scholarships to deserving students in tertiary institutions within and outside the country has been restored with effect from the 2009/2010 session. In the same vein, Government has introduced automatic employment policy for all indigenes who graduate with 1st class or 2nd class upper degrees. Their in-service sponsorship for higher degrees within and outside the Country, is similarly guaranteed.

We have continued to support our State University at Keffi. Three Faculty buildings have been completed and facilities provided. Subventions to all tertiary institutions in the State have been substantially increased to enhance sustainable development and academic excellence.

This Administration has facilitated the establishment of the Lafia Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria. Furthermore, we have donated a building complex and other infrastructures and facilities for its take-off and operations. We are convinced that this move and other areas of cooperation with higher institutions in our catchment area, will complement the efforts of our State University and make education more accessible to our people.

In all, the sum of over N15billion has been expended in repositioning the education sector in the past two years.

Healthcare:
The commitment of this Administration in the provision of Healthcare services to the people is on-course. Emphasis will continue to be placed on preventive health in keeping with the requirements of the Millennium Development Goals.

In this connection, we have rehabilitated, upgraded and equipped 58 Rural Clinics to the status of comprehensive Primary Healthcare Centres across the State. Plans are underway for 60 additional clinics to be similarly upgraded before the end of the year. The provision of Mobile Clinic Services for our remote communities is also being contemplated.

We have sustained the free treatment for HIV patients, pregnant women, as well as malaria treatment and immunization for children under the age of 5.

A Primary Healthcare Development Agency has been established in the State to provide effective management and fast-track sustainable development of Primary Healthcare structures and services at the grassroots level.

In the area of secondary healthcare, the newly completed general hospitals at Agbashi, Mararaban-Udege, and Panda have been provided with staff and are now functional, while the one at Arikya is being completed. Other General Hospitals in the State shall soon be renovated, expanded and better equipped. Necessary designs for the proposed 100-bed modern General Hospital at Lafia, the State Capital, have been completed and contract will be awarded before the end of the year.

A comprehensive policy for provision of drugs to our health facilities has been formulated to ensure effective availability and control. Meanwhile, Government has expended the sum of N690 million for the procurement of drugs during the years under reference.

In the determination to address the shortage of medical personnel in our health facilities, arrangements have been concluded for the engagement of 20 Medical Doctors from Egypt. The first batch of Egyptian Doctors are expected before the end of the year. Additionally, a special scheme for the training of a select indigenes of the State in specialised fields of Medicine has since been embarked upon.

In the meantime, local recruitment of Doctors is being intensified, while the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, Lafia and Health Technology, Keffi, are being restructured and reorganized to provide the needed middle level manpower for our health establishments.

Ladies and gentlemen, health is wealth! The importance of personal and environmental hygiene can, therefore, not be over-emphasized. In order to ensure sustainable improvement of the health of the people, Government has decided to reintroduce monthly environmental sanitation exercise throughout the State, with effect from July, 2009.

Tourism and Cultural Re-orientation:
This Administration has taken a bold step to maximize the use of our abundant tourism potentials as a strategy for rapid socio-economic development. Essentially, tourism is a private sector concern. The development of a viable tourism industry is of necessity a joint venture between the public and private sectors. Accordingly, Government is in partnership with both local and foreign investors for the development of Farin Ruwa Tourism Resort and other established tourist attractions in the State.

The proposed 5-Star hotel project at Lafia is on course while arrangements are being made to transform Lafia Hotel into a 3-Star hotel. Similarly, a hotel of international standard is being planned for Karu. Nasarawa Conference Hotel has since been completed and commissioned.

Identification and documentation of our cultural assets is being undertaken towards the establishment of a modern Museum at Shabu, near Lafia.

Our State cultural contingents continue to excel in both national and international festivals. In 2007, the State took the overall first position at the All Nigeria Festival of Arts and Culture at Makurdi and retained the same position at the 2008 edition of the Festival held at Enugu. Little wonder, therefore, that our cultural contingent has been chosen to represent Nigeria at the 2nd Pan African Cultural Festival, scheduled to take place in Algeria in July this year.

I am happy that our women are not left out in this show of excellence. They emerged overall winners in the National Traditional Cooking Competition held at Makurdi in 2008 as well as the 2009 National Agricultural Exhibition held in Kano.

Sports:
In the area of Sports Development, Government has received and considered the report of the Administrative Committee set up to reorganize the Nasarawa State Sports Commission for better performance. Government decision on the report will soon be made public. Meanwhile, we commend our sports men and women for their brilliant performances in various sporting competitions, especially at the under-17 International Female Handball Competition in the United Arab Emirates and the recent KADA games in Kaduna. The performance of our own King Osanga in international soccer has continued to be a source of encouragement and pride to all of us in Nasarawa State.

Necessary designs for the rehabilitation and upgrading of Lafia City Stadium have been completed and contract shall be awarded before the end of the year.

Urban Development:
In our determination to upgrade urban infrastructures towards the transformation of our urban centres into modern cities, the following achievements have been recorded:

1. The development of township roads in Lafia metropolis and the preparation for execution of similar projects in Keffi, Nasarawa, Akwanga, Wamba, Doma, Karu, Nasarawa Eggon and Obi;
2. Installation of 16 kilometres of Solar-powered street lights in Lafia;
3. Procurement and distribution of twenty 500KVA transformers to supplement the efforts of Power Holding Company in the supply of electricity to Lafia and environs;
4. Upgrading of urban water supply schemes across the State with Doma, Keana, Lafia, Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Nasarawa as beneficiaries of the first phase of the scheme;
   

To ensure orderly development of our townships, contracts have been awarded for preparation of master plans for the following areas - Lafia, Doma, Akwanga, Nasarawa, Keffi and Karu. The newly established Nasarawa State Urban Development Board has taken off to accelerate the implementation of our Urban Renewal Programme.

Rural Development:
Ladies and gentlemen, we are all aware that the greater population of our people live in rural areas and have suffered neglect for too long. To revert and redress this situation, Government has embarked on integrated rural development in the State to meet the long-time expectation and aspiration of the people.

Road Network:
In this direction, several contracts have been awarded for the construction/rehabilitation of rural road network as follows:

1. Nassarawa Eggon-Mada Station Road.
2. Gitata-Panda-Karu Road.
3. Phase 1 of Doma-Akwatta-Agbashi-Benue Border road.
4. Toto-Umaisha road.
5. Doma-Agyaragu road
6. Kadarko-Giza-Keana road
7. Agaza-Agwatashi road
8. Obi-Assakio road.
9. Keffi/Kokona Junction-Agwada-Udege Beki road.
10. Phase 1 of Adudu-Azara-Wuse-Akiri-Plateau Border road.
11. Phase 1 of Gudi Junction-Angwan Zaria-Nunku road.
12. Guto-Bagana inter-state road project

All the roads are scheduled for completion within 2009, except the Adudu-Azara-Wuse-Akiri and Gudi Junction-Angwan Zaria roads which will be completed in 2010.

We are in partnership with Kogi State, the Federal Government and the Private sector in the construction of the Guto-Bagana road project. We are convinced that on completion, this road will open up our communities bordering Kogi State along River Benue, for socio-economic activities.

A Nasarawa State Public Works Maintenance Agency has been established to handle the development of feeder roads as well as the maintenance of public assets, including equipment and machineries.

Rural Water Supply:
In the area of rural water supply, Government has embarked on the resuscitation and drilling of 530 boreholes throughout the State at the cost of over N453million. When completed, there will be a total of 1,186 Government functional boreholes in the State. It is our determination that by the year 2010, no village in Nasarawa State shall be left without at least one functional borehole.

Commerce and Industries:
We are relentless in our efforts to put Nasarawa State on the path of industrial development. To this end, industrial layouts and other necessary infrastructures are being developed in Lafia and other Local Government Headquarters.

This Administration subscribes to the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative and is willing at all times to partner with local and foreign investors in developing our huge potential in various economic sectors. We have put in place appropriate measures to encourage investors. These include quick access to land titles, tax holidays and security of investment.


Power Supply:
A Nasarawa State Energy Development Company Limited has been incorporated to harness our energy resources and develop the energy requirements of the State in accordance with national policy. It shall also monitor and supervise the Farin Ruwa Independent Power Project as well as the State Rural Electrification programme.

In the meantime, the following have been achieved:

1. Completion and commissioning of Nasara Bottling Plant, producers of NAS water;
2. Settlement of bank indebtedness of over N1billion to re-acquire the Karu International Market;
3. Revitalization and repositioning of Nasarawa Solid Minerals Development Company Ltd to maximize benefits from our abundant Solid Mineral resources;
4. Engagement of Management Consultants to reorganize, restructure and revitalize ailing Government companies;

This Administration has broken the jinx by establishing salt processing plants in Keana and Awe to exploit and process the huge salt deposits in these areas for the benefit of the people, especially our women folk.

We have fulfilled all the requirements of the Regulatory Agencies for the establishment of Nasarawa State Micro Finance Bank in partnership with Oceanic Bank Plc. The Bank which is expected to take off before the end of the year, will have branches in all Local Government Headquarters and would stimulate and enhance commercial activities, wealth creation, and poverty reduction.

We have facilitated the establishment of a branch of Central Bank of Nigeria in Lafia, the State Capital.

Economic Empowerment:
Consistent with the drive for accelerated socio-economic development of the State, the Bureau for Economic Empowerment was established. The Bureau has the mandate of accessing the people of Nasarawa State, especially youth and women, to economic opportunities through skills acquisition, micro-financing, cooperative ventures and business orientation.

To this end, our Relevant Technology Centres have been reorganized, restructured and upgraded. Training equipment and machineries worth over N1billion have been procured for the scheme to take-off with 1,500 trainees in July this year.

It is the policy of this Administration to encourage the development of indigenous entrepreneurs. Accordingly, Government has evolved a scheme to encourage and support the business class in having easy access to capital for the execution of Government projects. So far, over 400 contractors have benefitted from this scheme, with encouraging success.

Housing:
Housing is one of the 13-point Agenda of this Administration. Accordingly, Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements are being pursued with remarkable success.

1. The construction of 500 Housing units for Civil Servants at Lafia on owner-occupier basis is in progress. Government is contributing N1.2billion for the development of necessary infrastructures for the Estate;
2. A 6000 unit housing project is being planned for Auta Balefi, in Karu Local Government Area, in partnership with the Federal Government. The Estate, when fully completed, is envisaged to be one of the best of its kind in Africa;

Nasarawa State is strategically located and is attractive for real estate development. Accordingly, over 400 applications have so far been received from developers. These applications are being carefully processed to ensure orderly development and maximum benefit for our people.

Civil Service Re-organization:
The Civil Service is the bedrock of Government and is responsible for the success or failure of Government policies and programmes. Our administration recognizes this pivotal role and is providing the necessary impetus for policy initiation and implementation.

1. The State Civil Service has been reorganized and restructured for effective and efficient service delivery;
2. Office and residential accommodation are being adequately provided to ensure conducive environment for optimum performance;
3. Salaries and allowances are being paid as and when due;
4. Measures are being taken to restore to the service the attributes of decorum, humility, dedication, accountability and discipline;
5. Regular training and re-training of Civil Servants is being undertaken to sharpen their skills and enhance proficiency and productivity.

In order to provide succor and social comfort for retired public officers, accumulated arrears of pensions and gratuities, including severance allowances, have been paid to all categories of public officers in the State. Over N2billion has been expended in this exercise.

A new Pension Law has been enacted towards the implementation of the contributory Pension Scheme.


General Administration
This Administration is determined to consolidate the foundation and structures for virile democratic governance and the doctrine of separation of powers. In this connection, Government has embarked on providing necessary facilities and enabling environment for the three arms of Government, as follows:

1. Government House Lafia, has been comprehensively renovated and refurnished, befitting the image of the State Government. The office and residential accommodation of the Deputy Governor have been similarly upgraded;
2. Reconstruction and upgrading of the State House of Assembly complex is in progress;
3. Government has embarked on the construction of 5 new High Court buildings. Similarly, other existing High Court buildings are being renovated and/or upgraded.
4. We have facilitated the establishment of a Federal High Court in Lafia, the State Capital.

Traditional Rulers
We appreciate the role of our traditional rulers as custodians of our cultural values and partners in progress. We shall continue to give them our cooperation and support in their demand for constitutional role. In the meantime, a new Local Government Law has been enacted in the State. The Law has provided for functional roles for our traditional rulers as agents of grassroots development. Arrangements have also been made for the upgrading of their Palaces and provision of other necessary infrastructures and facilities befitting their status and significance of their exalted offices.

Revenue Generation:
Ladies and gentlemen, we are all aware of the present global financial meltdown which has affected our national economy. This disturbing situation has posed a challenge to our development efforts. It has, therefore, become necessary, more than ever before, for us to look inwards in generating the much needed funds with which to implement our development plans, projects and programmes.

It is against this background that a comprehensive review of our revenue generation machinery is being undertaken. I trust that we would all cooperate with the revenue officials in the discharge of their responsibilities by paying all taxes, levies and fees, as and when due, in the public interest.

National Census:
My dear people of Nasarawa State, at this juncture, I will like to restate our concern over the 2006 population census figures as it affects Nasarawa State. Certainly, the figure of 1.8million ascribed to the State did not reflect our true population. It is contestable and unacceptable to us. Accordingly, we have registered our protest at the Census Tribunal for redress.

Conclusion:
My dear compatriots, the journey so far has not been an easy one. It has been tough and rough, yet the struggle must continue. In this struggle to the Promised Land, all hands must be on deck. The Nasarawa State Project is not an individual project, but a collective responsibility for all of us. Though tongue and creed may differ, for Nasarawa State, we must all stand.

I must re-emphasise that this Administration has a clear vision, mission, objectives and strategies for the implementation of its policies and programmes to better the lives of our people. I would also like to reiterate my personal commitment to moving Nasarawa State forward and making it one of the most peaceful and prosperous States in Nigeria. To achieve this objective, we will utilize the available human, financial and material resources, as well as the reservoir of goodwill, to optimum advantage. All that we require, now and always, is your individual and collective cooperation, support, commitment and prayers.

My dear brothers and sisters, how can I forget to express my gratitude and appreciation to you all, for the unflinching and unalloyed support you have continued to accord this Administration. However, I must specially thank our Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Community Leaders, Security Agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations, the Political class and the workforce.

I wish you all a happy and joyous democracy day and the celebration of our 2nd year in office.

Thank you and God bless.