By Abel Daniel, Lafia

A recent media report alleging that pupils in Nasarawa State public schools are learning on bare floors has sparked controversy, prompting the state government to issue a strong denial and describe the report as misleading and damaging.

In a statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Comrade Peter Ahemba, the government dismissed the claim as a deliberate attempt to undermine its efforts in improving educational infrastructure. Ahemba argued that the report ignored the strides made by the Sule-led administration in upgrading learning facilities across the state.

While refuting the allegations, the government admitted that some schools in the state face infrastructural challenges, a situation it attributed to broader developmental hurdles common in growing economies. Ahemba, however, highlighted that the administration has committed substantial resources toward addressing these gaps.

He outlined some of the interventions, including the recent distribution of thousands of desks and chairs through the State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB). He also mentioned ongoing initiatives such as perimeter fencing, provision of boreholes, and classroom renovations aimed at creating a more conducive learning environment.

Despite the government’s defense, civil society groups and education stakeholders have called for an independent assessment of the state of infrastructure in public schools. They argue that while the administration’s efforts are commendable, the persistence of reports highlighting poor learning conditions indicates the need for closer scrutiny.

Speaking to our reporter, a representative of an education-focused NGO, Safiya Usman, emphasized the importance of transparency. “Rather than dismissing the reports outright, the government should open its doors for independent inspections to ensure accountability and identify areas requiring urgent attention,” she said.

Parents and community leaders have echoed similar sentiments, urging the government to strike a balance between defending its achievements and addressing lingering challenges in the education sector.

Meanwhile, Ahemba has urged journalists to verify their sources before publishing reports, stressing that misinformation could harm the government’s image and undermine public confidence.

The controversy has reignited debates on the broader issue of funding for education in Nigeria, with analysts stressing the need for sustained investment to address gaps in school infrastructure and ensure quality education for all children.

Lafia, Nasarawa State – A devastating fire swept through the New Modern Market in Lafia late Thursday night, destroying more than 30 shops and goods worth millions of Naira. The blaze, which started around 9:30 pm on December 5, raged until the early hours of Friday, December 6, 2024, leaving traders counting heavy losses.

Firefighters from the Nasarawa State Fire Service rushed to the scene upon receiving a distress call but faced challenges containing the inferno.
Piles of refuse dumped indiscriminately around the market obstructed their efforts, while the intense heat from the flames further hindered operations.

Builder Ombogus-Joshua, the Director of the Nasarawa State Fire Service, confirmed the incident, stating that his team is investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the extent of the damage.

A trader whose shop was destroyed, Musa Abdullahi lamented the significant losses. “Forty new sewing machines delivered just that morning were all burnt, along with three shops owned by my father. Most of the affected shops were tailoring businesses with fabrics and accessories fully stocked for the festive season,” he said.

According to Abdullahi, the fire also destroyed shops selling shoes and clothes, leaving traders without their merchandise during a critical sales period.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but traders and market stakeholders are urging authorities to improve safety measures and enforce stricter waste management policies to prevent future disasters.

The Nasarawa State Fire Service has promised to release a comprehensive report once investigations are concluded. Meanwhile, traders and residents are calling for immediate support from the government to help affected business owners recover from the tragedy.

This fire is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining market infrastructure and implementing fire prevention strategies to safeguard livelihoods.

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.