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Nasarawa, UKNIAF Signs MoU On Mutual Accountability Framework
…Undertakes two climate smart projects in Nasarawa
Solomon Attah,Lafia
The Nasarawa Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK-Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF) on a Mutual Accountability Framework(MAF)
The partnership which is facilitated by the Nasarawa state Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA) was signed by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
The partnership ushers in funded technical assistance for the preparation of Climate Smart Infrastructure Public Private Partnerships(PPP) projects in the state.
The targetted was to enhance institutional and human capacity of the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA) and other key Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the state, d well as the technical assistance that will enable the state to deliver on the objective of the UKNIAF programme.
Two climate-smart projects from some of the Nasarawa state PPP pipelines have been selected to be undertaken under the partnership. They include a 4000-Bed Hostel for the Nasarawa State University, Keffi and 450 ha Gudi Industrial Hub, Gudi.
During the signing of the MoU, Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed optimism that the partnership will help improve productivity, and reduce poverty based on sustainable economic, social and environmental development as enshrined in the Nasarawa state economic development strategy (2019-2023).
He said that, he administration was looking forward to UKNIAF’s support of other climate-smart projects in the Nasarawa state PPP pipeline and to also benefit from a full spectrum of the UKNIAF support, through the development of Outline Business Case and market engagement to secure private sector participation.
He added that, the state is committed to advancing its support for the objectives of the programme in developing Climate Smart PPP project with the requisite potential to attract early-stage and downstream financing as he restates his commitment to strengthen the Nasarawa State Infrastructure Fund towards unlocking finance for eligible infrastructure projects.
“As we sign this Mutual Accountability Framework, we wish to reaffirm our promise and commitment to do things differently.
“We will continue to work innovatively, leverage partnerships, and
implement essential policy reforms that translate to good governance for everyone across Nasarawa State.
“I crave the continuous support of all stakeholders, in ensuring that this signing today, translates into tangible benefits for all, as we inch closer to the Nasarawa of our dreams,” Governor Sule noted.
The Head of Economic Development, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Sally Woolhouse said, with the signing of the agreement, UNICEF and the Nasarawa Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), would be collaborating to develop climate-smart infrastructure projects and unlock critically private financing for the development of the state.
“The support is provided through the UKNIAF which is our flagship infrastructure and energy programme. It is central to the long-standing partnership between the UK and Nigeria on infrastructure.
“The PPP offers the opportunity to leverage that important private sector capital. No state government can do that on their own but to accelerate infrastructure development and help meet the needs of citizens,” WoolHouse said.
She explained that, Nasarawa State was chosen for the project mostly because of the reforms introduced by governor Abdullahi Sule Administration in the area of ease of doing business.
“We are very excited to be working with you given the positive context we can run a programme such as this. It’s not a coincidence that those things go together. But equally, we see the need for infrastructure in addressing climate change both in terms of decarbonizing the economy, also increasing resilience to impact,” Sally added.
The Managing Director, UKNIAF, Chidiebere Onyia said, five key reforms initiated by the Governor Sule administration are the catalyst that is facilitating the PPP agreement between UKNIAF and Nasarawa State.
Onyia particularly mentioned the development of the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS), evolving a PPP framework backed by law, with Nasarawa State among the few states to initiate the policy, the establishment of NASIDA, an agency constituted beyond the state for sustainability and most significantly, the establishment of Nasarawa Infrastructure Fund, as well as instituting a high-powered investment and economic advisory council.
“These five high-level processes and systems, are part of the reasons why it was not difficult for us to select Nasarawa State.
“The work that we are doing with your team is quite remarkable. UNICEF, on the leadership side, we appreciate your forthrightness, even in giving us the necessary data to begin to think about the pipelines.
“One thing we have learnt over the years in engaging with some state governments and governors is that, they are not always forthright in what is not there.
“They paint glossy pictures when we begin to dig deep, we found out that things are not there. That has not been the case with you, you have always been open. That is why we are committing to work with Nasarawa State,’ he stated.
Also speaking, Managing Director/CEO of Nasarawa Investment Development Agency, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the state is committed to the partnership for mutual prosperity.
Abdullahi assured that, Nasarawa State would continue to have deliberate policies to ensure that when developers come to the state, communities engage with them and traditional rulers give the necessary support.
The UKNIAF is a Power
sector and Infrastructure Finance development programme funded through Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and delivered by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office
(FCDO).
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
News
Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.
Amid the recall process initiated against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly has told both the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the police that Nigerians are keenly watching their actions.
This came amid viral video of some politicians in the Kogi State mass-signing signatures purported to be that of the Senator’s constituents.
It was gathered that the Senator has already petitioned the police over the development.
However, addressing journalists on Tuesday, the National President of Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly, Shuaibu Usman, accused the INEC of always compromising the electoral process in Kogi State.
Usman, who recalled how results of the last governorship election in the state emerged even before the exercise commenced, urged the commission to redeem itself.
He said, “Kogi parades as a worst example when it comes to INEC conduct of election in Nigeria. We have not forgotten how many credible organisations, including Yiaga Africa, raised the alarm of the electoral heist that went on during the last guber election in that state.
“So, INEC has been notorious for providing a thriving ground for politicians in Kogi State to mess up the country’s electoral system.
“The same people are at it again, this time hiding under the guise of a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. With their Kogi magic, they quickly manufactured over 250,000 signatures, whereas the entire voters during the main election stood at 120,000.
“One need not be a suitsayer to know that these are the same elements who are known to be chronic election riggers, with INEC as their enablers.
“However, we must caution the INEC that this should not be business as usual; this is beyond Kogi State, so Nigerians are watching.
“We were taken aback when the INEC after announcing that the petition did not meet its requirements, returned a day after to tell Nigerians that the same petitioners have met the requirements- what a quick fix!
“The INEC must not kowtow to the whims and caprices of desperate political elements in Kogi State, as this will be resisted by Nigerians.”
Similarly, the apex Igbo group also urged the police to ensure that all those in forging the signatures of Senator Natasha’s constituents were brought to book.
According to the group, the viral videos showed known faces in Kogi State, wondering why the police were yet to effect any arrest.
“By now, we had expected that some of the perpetrators should be cooling their heels in custody or having their days in court, but it is yet to happen.
“There should be no room for compromise, the culprits, no matter how highly placed, should be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“We urge that the police should engage forensic experts to analyze those signatures before the INEC takes any further step in the said petition,” Usman further stated.