Six Years On: A Legacy of Transformation and a Birthday Wish for Governor Abdullahi A. Sule
Six Years On: A Legacy of Transformation and a Birthday Wish for Governor Abdullahi A. Sule
On this auspicious occasion of your birthday, Your Excellency, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, we extend our warmest felicitations. We celebrate not just another year of your life, but the profound legacy of progress and development you have meticulously crafted for Nasarawa State. May this birthday be a moment of joy, reflection, and renewed strength. We wish you continued wisdom, good health, and the unwavering fortitude to guide Nasarawa towards an even brighter and more prosperous future. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency!– Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata
By Hannatu Lot
Today, December 26, 2025, marks a significant milestone – the birthday anniversary of His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State.
As we celebrate this occasion, it is imperative to reflect on the profound impact he has had not only on the trajectory of Nasarawa State but also on the lives of its people and, by extension, on the broader narrative of Nigerian governance.
Six years into his transformative leadership, the state stands as a testament to his visionary acumen, unwavering dedication, and the power of pragmatic leadership.
When Engineer Sule, a man forged in the crucible of corporate excellence as the Group Managing Director of the Dangote Group, made the bold decision to transition into public service for his home state, it was met with a mixture of anticipation and cautious optimism.
Today, that leap of faith has unequivocally proven to be a masterstroke, yielding dividends that resonate deeply within Nasarawa. He has approached public office not as a mere position of power, but as a sacred trust, characterized by humility, unassailable integrity, and a crystal-clear purpose.
Bringing to bear the efficiency and strategic foresight honed in the private sector, Governor Sule has ushered in an era of unparalleled transformation for Nasarawa. His leadership stands in stark contrast to the often-disruptive nature of Nigerian politics. Instead of succumbing to the temptation of abandoning or neglecting past projects, he has embraced continuity, ensuring the completion and enhancement of existing initiatives. This commitment has not only bolstered public confidence but has also led to the optimized allocation of precious resources, fostering an environment ripe for sustainable development.
The economic landscape of Nasarawa has been fundamentally reshaped under his stewardship. His administration’s dedication to fostering strategic development in trade, industry, and investment has yielded tangible results.
Thriving modern markets now dot key urban centers like Akwanga, Lafia, Keffi, and Toto, weaving a robust commercial tapestry across the state. Furthermore, the revitalization of previously dormant industrial assets, such as the Masaka beef factory and the fertilizer plants in Lafia and Keffi, through strategic leasing and public-private partnerships, has injected new life into the state’s industrial heartbeat. Coupled with advancements in revenue collection and innovative digital trading initiatives, Nasarawa’s economy is confidently striding into the 21st century.
Beyond the concrete and steel of infrastructure, Governor Sule has orchestrated a profound institutional metamorphosis. His embrace of technology is particularly noteworthy. The adoption of Microsoft Dynamics 365 for real-time financial oversight positions Nasarawa as a vanguard of fiscal transparency in Nigeria. Budgets are meticulously aligned with measurable outcomes, financial reports are disseminated regularly, and audits are rigorously enforced, proving that fiscal discipline is not just an abstract concept but a cornerstone of his administration’s policy.
The results speak for themselves: a threefold increase in internally generated revenue since 2019, and a consistent ranking among the top three states in the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) program. His investment in robust statistical data, meticulous development planning, and effective nutrition policies further solidifies his commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
The impact of Governor Sule’s tenure is vividly etched onto the very fabric of Nasarawa. Over 300 kilometers of crucial roads, including vital arteries like the Toto–Umaisha and Mararaba–Udege routes, have either been completed or are well underway. Urban development is a continuous narrative, marked by the construction of flyovers, underpasses, modern transport terminals, and the comprehensive upgrade of public facilities, symbolizing Nasarawa’s burgeoning urban sophistication.
However, Governor Sule understands that infrastructure alone is insufficient. His administration has placed a paramount emphasis on the well-being of its citizens through significant investments in health and education. The recruitment of over 2,000 healthcare professionals, the revitalization of primary healthcare centers, the upgrading of hospitals, and the implementation of innovative initiatives like health insurance and digital medical services are paving the way for accessible and equitable healthcare for all.
In the realm of education, a multifaceted approach encompassing scholarships, bursaries, and the groundbreaking “Second Chance” program for adult learners underscores a commitment to inclusivity. Furthermore, robust vocational training programs, equipping youth and women with marketable skills in areas like solar technology and tailoring, are creating tangible pathways to economic empowerment and self-sufficiency.
Inclusion is not merely a political slogan for Governor Sule; it is a lived reality. The implementation of a 5% recruitment quota for persons with disabilities and the provision of revolving loan schemes for civil servants demonstrate a profound awareness of and responsiveness to the needs of all citizens.
During periods of national adversity, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Sule’s administration demonstrated exceptional resilience and effectiveness. Later, under the NG-CARES program, Nasarawa emerged as Nigeria’s best-performing state, reaching over 800,000 beneficiaries and securing more than ₦13.6 billion in federal support – a critical lifeline during challenging times.
Over these past six years, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule has meticulously elevated Nasarawa State from its previous standing to a beacon of subnational excellence.
His leadership is defined not by ostentatious pronouncements but by tangible results; not by fleeting fanfare but by enduring foresight. By consistently prioritizing long-term gains over ephemeral applause, he has set a benchmark for what conscientious and competent governance in Nigeria can and should embody.
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As he enters the final stretch of his second term, the people of Nasarawa can look towards the future with unwavering optimism. With robust institutions, a burgeoning industrial sector, empowered citizens, and a clearly articulated development vision, the state is not just surviving; it is undeniably thriving.
In a nation yearning for consistent and capable leadership, Governor Sule’s example serves as a powerful reminder that purpose, meticulous planning, and unwavering perseverance can surmount even the most formidable challenges. Nasarawa has indeed turned a significant corner, and with Governor Sule at the helm, the promise of an even brighter future beckons.
Beyond these core areas, Governor Sule’s administration has also breathed new life into Nasarawa’s cultural identity. Initiatives such as the establishment of an official state emblem and anthem, the production of engaging tourism documentaries, the renovation of art galleries, and active participation in national festivals have showcased the state’s rich heritage. Platforms like “Nasarawa Today” and the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) are instrumental in fostering state pride and projecting Nasarawa as a vibrant cultural destination.
Security has remained a steadfast priority, underscored by strategic investments in facilities like the Police Mobile Force Training College and upgraded military installations, reinforcing peace and stability across the region.
Economically, the state is empowering its youth through a substantial ₦500 million revolving fund and supporting vulnerable households through vital social programs like the Kudin A.A. Sule Conditional Cash Transfer. Agricultural modernization, fisheries restocking, and the burgeoning mining and energy sectors further diversify and strengthen the state’s economic base. Significant improvements in electricity supply, marked by the completion of the Akurba Power Plant and enhanced transmission infrastructure, have energized urban centers, complementing the visible urban transformation symbolized by new roads, flyovers, transport terminals, and the impressive modern State Secretariat Complex.
Agriculture, the very backbone of Nasarawa’s progress, has seen a revolution under his guidance. Early fertilizer distribution, strategic mechanization partnerships, and the development of agro-processing ventures like NewPal Nigeria Ltd. have successfully transitioned farming from a subsistence activity to a viable business. State support for crucial programs such as SAPZ, ACReSAL, and the National Livestock Transformation Plan highlights a deep-seated commitment to food security and job creation.
In the education sector, a commendable 20% allocation of the 2024 budget signifies a commitment to meeting UNESCO standards. This translates into concrete actions like mass teacher recruitment, the provision of free NECO exams, and streamlined scholarship delivery. Civil servants have also experienced a renewed sense of dignity and security, with overdue promotions being implemented, study leaves facilitated, and salaries and pensions disbursed promptly.
The development of sports has been actively fostered to promote unity and talent, with investments in facilities like the Lafia Sports Arena and robust support for both male and female league clubs, as well as grassroots initiatives, propelling Nasarawa to national prominence in various sporting disciplines.
Tourism and investment initiatives under Governor Sule’s administration continue to signal a future brimming with opportunity, innovation, and global relevance. The successful handover of the iconic Farin Ruwa Waterfalls to the Federal Government positions Nasarawa for increased national and international tourism focus.
Similarly, the hosting of the inaugural and subsequent Nasarawa Economic Summits has effectively projected the state as a credible and attractive investment destination. In a strategic move to optimize infrastructure for development, the state-built cargo airport was handed over to the Federal Government, with a substantial refund secured. This refund is now being reinvested to drive other critical development processes, ensuring that no effort or resource is squandered in Nasarawa’s relentless march towards economic transformation.
Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s tenure is, therefore, a testament to resilience, inclusivity, and forward-thinking leadership. From revitalizing cultural heritage and reforming the civil service to transforming agriculture and modernizing infrastructure, Nasarawa is undeniably emerging as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic states.
As this administration moves towards its final years, the solid foundations meticulously laid promise a legacy that will endure for generations to come. Nasarawa hasn’t merely experienced change; it has been fundamentally and irrevocably transformed.
A Birthday Wish:
On this auspicious occasion of your birthday, Your Excellency, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, we extend our warmest felicitations. We celebrate not just another year of your life, but the profound legacy of progress and development you have meticulously crafted for Nasarawa State. May this birthday be a moment of joy, reflection, and renewed strength. We wish you continued wisdom, good health, and the unwavering fortitude to guide Nasarawa towards an even brighter and more prosperous future. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency!
On behalf of myself, the entire staff of the Ministry for Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs, and indeed, the good people of Nasarawa State, I extend my warmest and most sincere birthday anniversary wishes to Your Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, as you celebrate this momentous occasion of your 56th birthday.
Your Excellency, your leadership is characterized by an unwavering commitment to selflessness, remarkable courage in the face of challenges, and an unshakeable reliability that has become a beacon of hope for our state. Your dedication to the progress and development of Nasarawa State is deeply felt and truly matchless, impacting every facet of our collective journey towards a brighter future.
We are profoundly grateful for your visionary leadership and the significant contributions you have made to nation building, with Nasarawa State at the forefront of your developmental agenda. Your passion for service and your tireless efforts in transforming our communities deserve to be celebrated not just today, but every single day.
As you mark another year, we pray for your continued good health, strength, and wisdom. May Almighty Allah grant you many more years of impactful leadership, guiding us through continued prosperity and peace.
Happy 66th Birthday, Your Excellency!
With utmost respect and profound admiration,
Signed:
Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata
Commissioner
Ministry for Local Government, Community Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs
Nasarawa State
