Engineer Sule inaugurates cabinet, creates two new ministries

…as Governor unfolds plan to begin distribution of FG’s palliative

In a move to further reposition his administration towards prompt and vibrant response to issues, Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has created two new ministries namely Ministry of Special Duties for Humanitarian Services and NGOs and Ministry of Special Duties Security and Sundry Matters.

This was made known after Engineer Sule swore-in the 16-member members of the state executive council, at an elaborate ceremony, at the Government House, on Monday.

Though there were ministries of special duties during the last dispensation, the new nomenclature attached to the new ministries indicate deliberate steps taken by the Governor to further enhance service delivery by especially in the area of humanitarian services, improved relationships with donor organizations, as well as security.

Administering to the oath of office to the new appointees, Engineer Sule called on them to bring their wealth of experience to bear on their new responsibilities, emphasizing that his administration cherishes hard work, dedication, commitment, loyalty, and selfless service.

While reminding the newly sworn-in commissioners that public service will continue to remain public trust, the Governor said they cannot afford to fail, particularly at a time his administration has renewed its covenant, with resolve to continue to meet the yearning and aspirations of the people of Nasarawa State and to meet their high expectations.

“I charge you, therefore, to be dedicated, patriotic, and rise up to the challenges ahead. I urge you to make this more than rhetoric but actually in action. This is the only way we can bequeath a worthy legacy that will remain indelible in the sands of history,” he said.

The Governor reiterated that his administration has imbibed the principles of accountability, transparency, and prudent management of resources of the people and as such, urged the new appointees to key in by abhorring all corrupting tendencies capable of distracting them from the due discharge of their responsibility in accordance with the oath they have taken.

He further urged the appontees to acquaint themselves with the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS) document and to establish good interpersonal relationships with their subordinates and other key government functionaries.

This is just as Engineer Sule disclosed plans to commence the distribution of food items within the week, as palliative which the state received from the Federal Government, in fulfillment of the promise made by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at cushioning the hardship brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy.

He explained that, already, the state government has set up a high-powered committee to evolve measures that will also cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy on the people.

“In this regard, I wish to call on the general public to remain calm as government is doing its best to provide all the palliative to ameliorate the hardship.

“I’m happy to tell you that on my return from the US last week, we have already received all the food items that the Federal Government has sent. And we are going to start distributing these foods this week by the grace of God,” he added.

The Governor however noted that, this time around, to ensure the palliative gets to the people at the grassroots, a committee will be set up at every local government level, with the membership to include, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, Christian and Muslim religious leaders, youth and woman leaders.

Engineer Sule used the opportunity of the event to announce that his administration has secured the release of the Sarkin Gurku, HRH Alhaji Jibrin Mohammed, who was kidnapped recently.

Responding on behalf of the new appointees, Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed, appreciated Engineer Sule for finding them worthy of the appointments.

Hon. Ahmed pointed out with the array of members of the newly inaugurated state executive council, the Governor is telling the whole world about his readiness and commitment to take Nasarawa State to the next level of development.

“We want to thank you for this honour done to us, Your Excellency and to promise that, by the grace of God, we shall never let you down. We promise you to be committed, we promise you to be hard working and we promise you to ensure that we succeed and leave Nasarawa State on a higher level,” he stated.

Earlier, in a welcome address, Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barrister Muhammad Ubandoma Aliyu, said a least of 16 nominees was forwarded to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly for confirmation as commissioners.

The SGNS commended Engineer Sule for his commitment and goodwill towards the provision of good governance to the people of the state.

The new commissioners and their portfolios are: Hajiya Munira Abdullahi, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Gomna Gaza, Ministry of Health, Oyige Mohammed Iyimoga, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Aishatu Rufai Ibrahim, Ministry of Women Affairs, Yakubu Kwanta, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Jaafaru Ango, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Samuel Kafu Emgba, Ministry of Science and Technology, Margaret Elayo, Ministry of Special Duties for Humanitarian Services and NGOs, Ibrahim Bala Mulki, Ministry of Lands and Urban Development.

Others are: Tijjani Aliyu Ahmed, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abubakar Imam Zanwa, Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, John W. Mamman, Ministry of Education, Muazu Adamu Gosho, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, Timothy Inusa Kasuwa, Ministry of Special Duties Security and Sundry Matters, Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, Ministry of Justice and Umar Abubakar Danakaro, Ministry of Agriculture.