The Nasarawa State Government has announced that two eminent Nigerians, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega will headline the state’s 30th anniversary celebrations as guest lecturers.
Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe disclosed this during a press conference in Lafia on Thursday. He noted that Nasarawa State was created on October 1, 1996, by the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha, and that the milestone anniversary offers a moment for both celebration and sober reflection on the state’s journey over three decades.
Professor Jega, who also serves as Chairman of the Governing Council of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, will deliver a lecture titled “Nasarawa State at 30: From Foundation to Transformation.” Bishop Kukah will speak on “Unity in Diversity: Three Decades of Building a Cohesive Nasarawa State – Issues, Challenges and Prospects.”
The anniversary programme will commence with Juma’at prayers at the Old Secretariat Juma’at Mosque, followed by the inauguration of selected projects across the state, an interdenominational church service at St. William’s Cathedral, Lafia, and visits to correctional facilities for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy.
Dr. Akabe emphasised that the anniversary is a people-centred celebration of shared identity and progress.
“This celebration is about our people, our cultures and our common identity. It is about paying tribute to our founding fathers, former and serving governors, traditional institutions, women, youths, public servants and every citizen who has contributed to Nasarawa’s growth,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor added that the anniversary will provide a platform for reflection on achievements recorded by successive administrations in critical sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, human capital development, security, commerce and investment.