Nasarawa Govt Hails FG For Approving Over N8bn For Farin Ruwa Project

Nasarawa State Government has commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, for approving over N8bn for the construction of the Farin Ruwa Dam, as well as the Sisin Baki/Farin Ruwa road.

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, made the commendation in an opening remark during an expanded stakeholders meeting to review measures put in place to contain further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, at the Government House, on Thursday.

While expressing deep appreciation to the President on behalf of the government and people of the state, Engineer Sule thanked the Federal Government for coming to the assistance of the state at a time Nasarawa needed assistance.

The Governor restated that, in line with the commitment of his administration to complete all ongoing projects started by previous administrations in the state, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, was among the first ministries the state government approached with a view to ensuring that the Farin Ruwa dam project sees the light of day.

“From my follow up, the money is there, it’s not that they are going to seek for the money from somewhere. It’s just to ensure that they mobilize to site to continue with the project,” Engineer Sule disclosed.

He stated that even though the state government has commenced the construction of the Sisin Baki/Farin Ruwa road, the Federal Government has now taken over the project with the approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday.

The Governor added that the project, initiated by the past administration of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, is capable of generating 20 megawatts of electricity, which he said will be more than enough for Akwanga and possibly Keffi.

Commenting on the status of the state regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Engineer Sule expressed concern over the escalation of the virus in the state.

According to the Governor, out of the 705 samples taken from across the state, 658 have been received, with the state so far, recording 90 positive cases, with four deaths.

Engineer Sule used the opportunity to show appreciation to traditional rulers, security agents and the media, for their continued support while government put measures in place to contain and control the spread of the pandemic.

He particularly thanked the people of the state for their understanding and cooperation throughout the trying moment occasioned by the outbreak of the COVID-19.

“That is why it’s important that we sit today. In the whole country, the situation is being reviewed and some of the restrictions are being relaxed.

“Because some of these restrictions are actually having devastating effects on the economy, so the Federal Government and other states have no option than, in spite of the increase of the number of the cases, relax some of these restrictions,” the Governor stated.

Engineer Sule equally used the opportunity of the meeting to show appreciation over the release of the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Joseph Masin, who was kidnapped recently.

While thanking members of his family and the Christendom for their patience, understanding and efforts, during the difficult moment, the Governor commended the security agents for effecting the release of Bishop Masin.