I am from Plateau State, a part of which eventually became Nasarawa State in 1996. While Benue State had earlier been created from the old Benue-Plateau State in 1976, Nasarawa was carved out of Plateau twenty years later.
Despite the fact that Nasarawa State has now
existed for almost three decades, the years have not weakened the emotional
bond that ties the two states. The Commissioner for Commerce and Investments,
Mohammed Sani Oto, a man with an impressive and refined sense of style, makes
it a point to visit the Plateau Pavilion whenever there is a trade fair. He
always speaks in a tone that evokes the fraternity we once shared and continue
to share. His words stir a sentiment that reminds us that the creation of states
was never meant to divide people, but rather to take development deeper into
communities.
Another expression of this bond played out
recently in Jos. There was a sensitization program on the new template for data
submission in the mining sector. It was held in Jos as the North Central zonal
gathering, drawing participants from across the region. The Nasarawa State
delegation was led by the Commissioner of Local Government, Rural Development,
and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aminu Mu’azu Maifata. While saluting dignitaries, he
pronounced the traditional title of Ata-Ateng
of Ganawuri with striking precision. Then, with a smile, he remarked,
“Many may be surprised that I pronounced that title correctly. Do not forget
that Nasarawa State was created out of Plateau State.”
Maifata led a delegation that included the
thirteen chairmen representing the thirteen local government areas of Nasarawa
State. He himself had once served as ALGON Chairman, having been Chairman of
Lafia Local Government. Unlike many dignitaries who left early, he remained
till the close of the event around 5 p.m. From this, I understood something
deeper: they were at home — reliving
familiar warmth — and they wanted to savour it. In my heart, I wished we could
have given even more.
During the 20th Abuja International Trade
Fair, a Director from the Nasarawa Ministry of Commerce and Investment, Mr.
Agbo, visited our pavilion and spoke emotionally about how much the people of
Nasarawa still missed Jos. He highlighted the enchanting weather, the landscape
of Plateau, and the modesty, sincerity, and hospitality of its people.
At the Jos sensitization event, Nasarawa State
was commended for its exemplary performance in mining data reporting, which
placed its solid minerals derivation revenue ahead of others. On the histogram
chart, Nasarawa stood tall — like Gulliver among Lilliputians.
When the people of Nasarawa speak about their
Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, they do so with passion and generosity of
praise. Beyond acknowledging the improved financial inflows available to states
following the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, many
believe there is something uniquely strategic about Governor Sule. His
experience with the Dangote Group before assuming office may have enhanced his
approach to governance and resource management. And as we see in their mining
revenue achievements, it reflects the immense potential within the people of
Nasarawa State.
For those who wish Nasarawa well, there is a
growing hope that the state will continue to exceed expectations and
demonstrate that younger states can achieve greatness beyond common
assumptions. If Nasarawa sustains this trajectory, the bold line separating the
so-called “bigger” and “smaller” states will gradually fade away.
