Nasarawa @30: Jega, Kukah to Headline Anniversary Lectures — Akabe
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
The Nasarawa State Government has unveiled a week-long programme of activities to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state, with former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, billed to headline the anniversary lectures.
Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Lafia.
Nasarawa State was created on October 1, 1996, by the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha, after being carved out of the old Plateau State. The anniversary will run from September 25 to October 1, 2026.
Akabe said the celebration was designed not merely to mark three decades on the calendar but to provide an opportunity to reflect on the state's journey, acknowledge the contributions of its founding fathers and citizens, assess achievements and challenges, and renew commitment to a united, peaceful and prosperous Nasarawa State.
He said the anniversary would also celebrate the state's diverse cultures, resilience and shared identity, while recognising the contributions of past and present governors, public servants, traditional rulers, women, youths and other citizens.
According to him, the anniversary would provide an opportunity to reflect on developments recorded in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, human capital development, security, commerce and investment.
Jega, Kukah to Deliver Lectures
Akabe announced that Professor Attahiru Jega would deliver a lecture titled “Nasarawa State at 30: From Foundation to Transformation,” while Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah would speak on “Unity in Diversity: Three Decades of Building a Cohesive Nasarawa State — Issues, Challenges and Prospects.”
The lectures are scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, in Lafia. Multiple reports from the briefing confirm the bishop's name as Matthew Hassan Kukah, correcting the transcript's .
Week-long Programme
The programme begins on Friday, September 25, with anniversary Juma'at prayers in Lafia.
Saturday will feature the commissioning of selected projects, with emphasis on projects executed by local governments, while an interdenominational service is scheduled for Sunday at St. William's Cathedral, Lafia.
Other activities include further project commissioning, a visit to correctional facilities as part of a prerogative-of-mercy initiative, and Nasarawa Expo 1.0, featuring fashion displays and youth-oriented activities.
On Tuesday, September 29, a carnival involving the 13 local government areas will commence from the College of Agriculture and terminate at Lafia Square.
The event will also feature cultural displays, local cuisines, traditional wrestling and participation from Plateau State, reflecting Nasarawa's historical links with the former Plateau State.
On Wednesday, September 30, an inter-state novelty football match involving the executives and legislatures of Nasarawa and Plateau states will hold, followed by a grand banquet and presentation of awards to selected individuals.
The anniversary will culminate on Thursday, October 1, with the Independence Day celebration, a parade and an anniversary address by Governor Abdullahi A. Sule. �
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Akabe also acknowledged the economic difficulties being experienced by citizens, saying the state government was concerned about the hardship and was working on measures to alleviate its impact.
He urged the media to partner with the government in creating awareness and ensuring that the 30th anniversary celebration reaches citizens across Nasarawa State and beyond.
“This is our state, our history and our shared future,” Akabe said, calling on citizens to celebrate the milestone while looking forward to a greater future.
