NASARAWA: BOOSTING THE ECONOMY THROUGH REVENUE YIELDING VENTURES BY BALA DAN- ALKALI Ever since the coming on board of Umaru Tanko Almakura as governor of Nasarawa state in 2011, his administration has been up and doing in looking for ways and means to make the state less dependent on revenue accruing from the federation account. It was this zeal that made the administration to commit itself in setting up of Nasarawa Geographic information system; otherwise known as NAGIS. NAGIS project as widely acknowledged was constructed principally to serve as another source of getting revenue for the state through computerization and automation of land and properties title registration, taxation, budget planning and control. NAGIS which major components work gulped $10,625,000 includes among others: Digital Area Mapping (DAM) and Nasarawa Geographic Information Service as well as Planning of Cadastral districts. No sooner had the project completed, it became not only as source of revenue for the state but also as a thing of joy and pride to the people of the state; hence it serves as one of the best Geographic Information System in the whole West African sub-region. The surveyor- General of the Federation could not even hide his ecstasy over the achievement Nasarawa state recorded through NAGIS when he visited NAGIS office sometime ago. Of course, there is no disputing the fact that today the state Ministry of Lands and Survey is counted as the best ministry in terms of revenue generation courtesy of NAGIS. Apart from NAGIS other sector which Almakura led administration is investing a lot with the aim to reap maximum benefit through revenue yield, is the on-going construction of a replica of Abuja Eagle Square in Lafia. This square which construction work reached almost 80% percent completions is of the same size of Eagle square in terms of seating capacity and other facilities. As with NAGIS, Lafia Square when completed, it is also expected to serve as another avenue for generating revenue for the state. Given the proximity of Nasarawa state with Abuja, it is hoped that the Lafia Square will in no distant time serve as alternative to Eagle Square. Another aspect which Almakura led administration is at the moment paying serious attention to is on developments of ultra modern markets across the state. Already, Karu international Market which in the past suffered serial problems arising from contractual crisis, work at the site have since completed by the present administration by expansion/construction of the second phase of the markets. So far the sum of over N3.1 billion has been spent on the market by Almakura led administration. Only penultimate week in what could be referred to as ground breaking ceremony, Almakura led administration has laid a foundation for the constructions of Lafia and Akwanga ultra modern markets geared towards transformation of trade and commerce in the state. Already work has also reached an advanced stage of completion on that of Keffi. However, while laying the foundation of Lafia ultra modern international market along Tudun Gwandara- Kwandare Road in Lafia, Governor Almakura said the plans by his administration to construct ultra modern markets across the state was informed by the conviction that commercial activities are vista for the economic growth of the state, adding that the markets when completed would expand the horizon for active participation of the people of the state in meaningful trade and commerce. What is indeed, even more joyful about these ultra modern markets is the fact the major components engraved in the building plans, are of International Standard. Of course, these markets constructions could certainly stimulate unprecedented socio-economic development of the state which is part of the covenant of Almakura led administration with the people of the state. There is of course, no denying the fact that, besides expanding the depth and scope of participation of people in active trade and commerce, these markets when completed would further serves as veritable source of employment generation to the teeming youth in Nasarawa state. Just as noted by Almakura during the foundation laying ceremony of Akwanga ultra- modern market, constructions of standard markets would moved more people to not only participate in business transactions but more people would also be gainfully employed. While it is true that the security challenges confronting the state arising from communal skirmishes is in some ways, retarding the progress and development of the state, but it is an undeniable facts that these security challenges has not also distracted the attention of government away from providing dividend of democracy to the people. Verily those that think by instigating crisis, government will shirk away from its responsibilities have indeed failed as Almakura led administration did not only remains committed to ensuring sustenance of peace through rapid response to out break of violence but also become embolden to do more for the people in terms of provisions of services as can be seen from his efforts in providing edifices across the state aimed at boosting the economy for people to be engaged in more productive ventures. Undoubtedly, since 2011 when Almakura came on board, the people of Nasarawa state are experiencing tremendous but positive changes in their social life through government unflinching support to social services. It was an American film producer Arthur Friedman who in his film script titled ‘Price of Glory’ was quoted as saying ‘Men of genius are admired, men of wealth are envied, men of power are feared, but men of character are trusted’ Indeed, Governor Al-makura despite being a genius in his own right, despite being wealthy and despite being in power yet what stands out tall is his character and it is this trait in him that is making him succeeding, hence the trust the people had on his administration. Dan-Alkali wrote from Awe, Nasarawa State
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 19:15:11 +0000
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