Nasarawa State governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule has sworn-in 14 newly appointed commissioners and 18 special advisers, charging the appointees on leaving legacies that will stand the test of time.
Engineer Sule laid the task shortly after swearing in the commissioners and special advisers at a colourful ceremony that took place at the Lafia City Hall, on Wednesday.
According to the governor, following his approval for the dissolution of the last state executive council, his administration found it necessary to select persons with requisite ideology, creativity and pragmatism, expected to accelerate implementation of policy decisions, as well as enhance execution of programmes and projects.
He used the opportunity to appreciate the speaker and members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, for the accelerated screening and confirmation of the nominees submitted by his administration.
Engineer Sule noted that the cooperation by the assembly is further testimony to the collective commitment towards purposeful leadership and service delivery for the people.
“I salute this display of patriotism which has continued to define our relationship with the Sixth Assembly,” he said.
Commenting further, he pointed out that the special advisers were appointed in order to make available to his administration valuable counsel that will serve as impetus towards uplifting the standards of living of the people.
The governor informed the appointees the value his administration places on hard work, dedication, commitment, loyalty, selfless service and the fear of God.
He reminded them on the need to see publice service as public trust, especially that they are coming at a trying moment in the life of the administration, with people yearning for more dividends of democracy, while the administration is in the last half of its first tenure.
“This has put heavy burden on you as appointees. You must discharge your duties having in mind our principles of accountability, probity, loyalty and prudent management of our resources.
“This is the only way we can leave a legacy that will stand the test of time,’ he stated.
The governor further urged the new appointees to acquaint themselves with the administration’s blueprint for development, encapsulated in the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS).
While congratulating the new appointees, Engineer Sule urged them to develop healthy personal relationships with their permanent secretaries, as well as their surbodinates, in order to further the cause of the administration.
He used the opportunity of the event to caution the people of the state against the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the Omicron variant, urging the people to strictly maintain all protocols relating to the pandemic.
The newly inaugurated commissioners and their portfolios are as follows; Hon Yakubu Kwanta- Commissioner For Environment and Natural Resources, Hon Yusuf Aliyu Turaki- Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hajiya Aishatu Rufai Ibrahim- Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development and Hon. Salihu Enah- Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment,.
Others are; Prof. Umar Mika’il Gurku- Commissioner for Science and Technology, Nuhu Ibrahim Oshafu- Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Engr. Idris Mohammed Idris- Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Mohammed Tanimu Sarki – Commissioner for Land and Urban Development and Barr. Abimiku Hannatu Bala- Commissioner for Special Duties and Legal.
Also, Hajiya Fatu Jemita Sabo- Commissioner for Education, Yakubu Mohammed Lawal- Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Daniel Agyeno – Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning, Pharm. Ahmed Baba Yahaya- Commissioner for Health and Amb. Lucky Isaac Yargwa- Ministry of Youth and Sports.