When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu touched down in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, on June 25, 2025, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation.
It was not just a routine working visit , it was a moment of validation for a state government that has, against all odds, delivered on promises of infrastructure, innovation, and prudent governance.
At the heart of the visit was the commissioning of a series of legacy projects by Governor Abdullahi A. Sule — projects that now stand as symbols of transformation, vision, and discipline in governance.
A Monument of Reform: The Asiwaju Interchange
The spotlight fell on the ₦16 billion Lafia Flyover and Underpass, now officially renamed the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Interchange.
This massive structure, completed within a year, was not only built without borrowing but also executed entirely with internally generated revenue — a rare feat in sub-national governance today.
Governor Sule did not hesitate to credit President Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as the catalyst that enabled Nasarawa to complete such high-impact projects without financial strain.
“Your Excellency, this project became possible because of your reforms. Nasarawa is grateful,” Sule said, his voice full of conviction.
Projects Beyond Roads: A Broader Development Blueprint
The President’s itinerary included the commissioning of other significant projects:
Dualisation of Shendam Road: Improving connectivity and easing transportation bottlenecks within Lafia.
State Secretariat Complex: A new, ultra-modern government headquarters representing transparency, service efficiency, and a smarter public sector.
Agricultural Mechanization: Tractors and modern implements distributed to Nasarawa’s farming communities to boost food production.
Social Intervention: Electric tricycles for youth empowerment and security vehicles to strengthen local law enforcement.
These projects reflect a leadership style that sees infrastructure not merely as concrete and steel but as the architecture of empowerment and inclusiveness.
Tinubu’s Endorsement: Political and Moral
In his speech, President Tinubu was full of praise. He commended the “prudent management of resources” and described Governor Sule as a leader whose work aligns with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This is what leadership looks like. When states invest in people, in roads, in security, they are building a legacy,” Tinubu noted.
But beyond development, Tinubu also made political statements with far-reaching implications. In clear terms, he dismissed rising opposition voices as “politically internally displaced persons” — a metaphor for politicians without vision or a grounded constituency.
He urged the people to disregard such distractions and reaffirmed his commitment to support any candidate endorsed by Governor Sule as a successor.
The Obi Oil Factor: A Quiet Expectation
While official statements did not dwell on it, one of the undercurrents during the visit was the ongoing oil exploration in Obi Local Government Area. Governor Sule and stakeholders had previously appealed for more federal backing in this emerging frontier of economic expansion.
With Nasarawa now listed among Nigeria’s oil-producing states, expectations remain high for increased investment and federal presence in Obi.
A Model Worth Emulating?
President Tinubu’s visit has redefined the tone of federal-state collaboration. Nasarawa State, once seen as a relatively quiet player in national affairs, is now earning praise on merit , not by proximity to power, but by performance.
From debt-free capital projects to smart agriculture and institutional infrastructure, Governor Sule’s administration has become a case study in disciplined governance.
The Tinubu visit has now sealed this progress with national endorsement.
Conclusion: A Visit that Spoke Volumes
This was no ceremonial parade. Tinubu’s one-day working visit to Nasarawa sent a strong message , that responsible governance will be recognized, and that the dividends of reform are tangible.
The streets of Lafia may have gone quiet again, but the echoes of that visit will resonate in the policies, projects, and political discourse of Nasarawa for years to come.
