From Abel Daniel, Lafia

The United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC) has inducted Peter Ahemba, Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, as an Ambassador of Peace. The ceremony, held over the weekend in Lagos, highlighted Ahemba’s contributions to fostering peaceful coexistence and community development.

Speaking at the induction, the Director-General of UN-POLAC, Prof. Obong Halo Eton, described the recognition as part of the organization’s tradition of honoring individuals who exemplify the values of peace and service. He noted that the inductees would undergo further training to enhance their capacity in conflict mediation, dialogue facilitation, and promoting understanding within their communities.

In a virtual address, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged the new Peace Ambassadors to embrace their roles as advocates of human rights and champions of peaceful coexistence. He emphasized the global significance of their new responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule commended Ahemba for the prestigious recognition. In a personally signed congratulatory letter, the governor acknowledged Ahemba’s contributions to peacebuilding, particularly during his tenure as President of the Tiv Development Association (TIDA) in Nasarawa State.

“Your recognition as an International Peace Advocate is a testament to your unwavering commitment to promoting harmony among people and dedication to your roles. It is my belief that this honor will further motivate you to continue your selfless service to humanity,” Governor Sule stated.

The governor described Ahemba as a worthy ambassador of the ideals of peace, adding that his induction would greatly benefit the work of UN-POLAC and the broader cause of peace advocacy.

As part of his new role, Ahemba is expected to collaborate with UN-POLAC in conflict resolution, fostering dialogue, and promoting positive living within and beyond Nigeria. His efforts will align with international best practices to advance the principles of peaceful coexistence.

The event underscored the global importance of empowering individuals like Ahemba to take active roles in shaping a more harmonious and inclusive society.

By Abel Daniel, Lafia

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Friday presented a N382.57 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, emphasizing economic recovery, infrastructure expansion, and improved social services.

Dubbed the “Budget of Economic Growth and Stability,” the proposal allocated N159.97 billion (41.82%) to recurrent expenditure and N222.60 billion (58.18%) to capital projects. Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, who received the budget, assured the governor of its swift passage.

Gov. Sule outlined the sectoral breakdown of the budget to indicate that administrative Sector got N80.14 b, Economic Sector recirved N139.84b, Law and Justice Sector N10.61b and Social Sector N151.97b

“This budget is designed to strengthen recovery and drive growth in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, security, and technology,” Sule stated.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing the new minimum wage, acknowledging the challenges posed by the current economic climate.
“We are awaiting the report from the Minimum Wage Committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, and once received, the government will act swiftly to implement its recommendations,” he assured.
Gov. Sule pledged to focus heavily on infrastructure, peace, and security, while also enhancing the state’s capacity for revenue generation, particularly through solid minerals exploration.
He assured the Assembly and the people of Nasarawa of the full implementation of the budget once it is passed.
Speaker Jatau praised the governor’s dedication to economic development and pledged the Assembly’s full cooperation in ensuring the budget is passed promptly.
“The Assembly is committed to supporting Gov. Sule’s vision for Nasarawa State’s growth and will ensure the budget is passed without delay,” he stated.

The 2025 budget marked another step in Nasarawa’s path toward economic resilience, with a focus on sustainable development and improved living standards for its citizens.

By Abel Daniel, Lafia

The proprietor of Phoenix University Agwada in Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu,
has pledged to provide automatic employment for any first-class graduate from the institution.
He made promise at the university’s first matriculation ceremony held at its permanent site in Agwada, Kokona Local Government Area, where 260 students were officially admitted.

In his inaugural speech, Senator Adamu expressed his joy at the university’s progress, emphasizing the transformative power of education.
“Education is an asset that cannot be taken away from the beneficiaries,” he stated.
Adamu, who has long been committed to advancing education, challenged the pioneer students to aim for at least a second-class upper degree, a standard he said will bring pride to their families.

He assured the students that they would receive quality education, guided by the best academic minds in the country, and benefit from international collaborations and digital platforms that would expose them to global opportunities.

Adamu also urged the students to uphold the university’s motto, “work and worship,” stressing that success should always be accompanied by faith and dedication to God.

The senator took the opportunity to commend Governor Abdullahi Sule for providing scholarships to some indigent students from the state, enabling them to pursue their education at the university.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andullahi Bala also addressed the students, advising them to take their studies seriously and follow the rules outlined in the Students’ Handbook. He emphasized the importance of balancing academic life with personal well-being, and urged students to respect their rights and responsibilities.
He further encouraged them to speak out if they encounter any situations that threaten their safety or health.

The university’s promise of offering automatic employment to first-class graduates has sparked excitement setting a high standard for academic excellence among its students.