NASARAWA GOVT GETS N2.6BN FROM LITHIUM MINING, APPROVES PROJECTS FOR HOST COMMUNITIES
...As Sule Approves N2bn Pension Arrears, 1,000 Teachers Recruitment, Three Model Schools
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
The Nasarawa State Government has received about N2.6 billion as part of its agreement with a mining company operating a lithium processing facility in Endo, Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Hon. Peter Ahemba, disclosed this on Wednesday during the monthly press briefing held at the NUJ Press Centre, Makurdi Road, Lafia.
Ahemba said the latest payment was in addition to the $1.5 million signature bonus earlier received by the state government in connection with its mining rights.
He explained that the disclosure was made during an expanded State Executive Council meeting attended by traditional rulers and other stakeholders from Nasarawa and the affected host communities.
According to him, Governor Sule directed stakeholders from the mining host communities to identify priority projects that would have direct impact on their people, with part of the newly received funds to be used for their execution.
He said the Governor's decision was aimed at ensuring that members of the affected communities had a say in determining projects that would be implemented in their areas.
Mining Licence Belongs to Nasarawa Government — Ahemba
Ahemba also dismissed reports alleging that Governor Sule acquired the mining licence for himself, stressing that the licence was obtained in the name of the Nasarawa State Government and not any individual.
He said the agreement between the state government and the mining company would remain valid until 2051, ensuring that successive administrations would continue to benefit from the proceeds.
He described the mining arrangement as a long-term revenue opportunity for the state and assured that the funds would be channelled towards development.
N2bn Approved for Pensioners
The SSA further disclosed that Governor Sule had approved N2 billion to reduce outstanding pension and other retirement-related entitlements owed to pensioners in the state.
He said the intervention would cover outstanding obligations from around 2013 to date, subject to details and arrangements to be worked out by the state pension authorities.
Ahemba said the approval demonstrated the administration's commitment to addressing the welfare of pensioners who had served the state.
Nasarawa to Recruit 1,000 Primary School Teachers
The government has also concluded arrangements for the recruitment of 1,000 teachers into public primary schools across Nasarawa State.
Ahemba said the recruitment was conducted through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), with more than 10,000 applicants reportedly competing for the positions.
He said successful candidates were selected based on merit and would be issued appointment letters and deployed, particularly to rural primary schools, ahead of the new academic session.
Govt Awards Contracts for Three Model Schools
The state government has awarded contracts for the construction of three model schools, one in each of the three senatorial districts.
Ahemba disclosed that contractors handling the project in Nasarawa North (Akwanga zone) had already mobilised to site, with work expected to commence shortly.
He added that arrangements were also being concluded for the commencement of similar projects in Nasarawa West and Nasarawa South.
10,000 School Uniforms, Sandals, Exercise Books Procured
In another development, the government, through SUBEB, has procured more than 10,000 exercise books, 10,000 school uniforms and 10,000 pairs of sandals, among other educational materials, for distribution to pupils in public schools.
Ahemba said the intervention was designed to support vulnerable families and encourage parents to enrol their children in school.
He said the government had also directed SUBEB to commence an advocacy campaign aimed at bringing out-of-school children back to the classroom.
Govt Plans Enforcement Against Parents Keeping Children Out of School
The SSA disclosed that the state government would, after the advocacy period, begin enforcement of its policy on compulsory basic education.
He said a task force would be established to monitor children found on the streets during school hours and trace their parents for possible prosecution where the children were of school age but were not enrolled in school.
According to him, the government is also considering collaboration between SUBEB and the Ministry of Justice to establish mobile courts for the prosecution of parents who fail to send their children to school.
Nasarawa to Commence More Road Projects
Ahemba announced that the state government had concluded arrangements to commence additional rural and urban road projects across Nasarawa State.
He said work would begin in selected local government areas as pilot projects within the next few weeks, with the government targeting road projects across all 13 local government areas before the end of the administration.
2027: Govt Warns Politicians Against Inflammatory Statements
On the political situation ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ahemba expressed concern over what he described as the increasing tension and inflammatory activities among political actors in the state.
He warned politicians and their supporters against actions capable of causing unrest and lawlessness.
He said the Sule administration remained committed to providing a level playing field for political actors but would not tolerate acts of lawlessness, regardless of the status of those involved.
“Politicians must play the game according to its rules,” Ahemba said, urging political leaders to caution their supporters against inflammatory statements and actions capable of disrupting peace in the state.
NUJ Commends Governor Sule's Support for Media
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Mrs. Julian Ofoku, commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his continued support and goodwill towards journalists and the media industry.
Ofoku described the media as a critical partner in the development of Nasarawa State and appreciated the SSA on Public Affairs for sustaining regular engagement between government and journalists.
She said the monthly press briefing would further strengthen the relationship between the government and the media.
The NUJ chairman assured that journalists in the state would continue to discharge their responsibilities professionally by effectively covering government activities, policies and programmes.
