President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Nasarawa State in key developmental areas, particularly solid minerals and agriculture. The President made this pledge during a visit to the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd), at his palace.

While addressing the Emir and other dignitaries, Tinubu praised Governor Abdullahi Sule’s prudent management of state resources, which he said has earned the trust of both the federal government and investors.

“I am happy to be back here in Nasarawa and to confirm what the Emir told me during the campaigns in 2023 — that I would be back as President of Nigeria. Thank you. You are a highly far-sighted individual, a committed Nigerian of high integrity and jurisprudence,” Tinubu said.

The President commended the governor and the Council of Traditional Rulers for fostering peace and progress in the state. He reiterated his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and promised to work harder to fulfill its goals.

“All I have decided is to ensure a change for the future and the best,” he said. Tinubu added that the agenda will reposition the economy to benefit young Nigerians and future generations.

Citing the newly commissioned Lafia interchange, the President noted that the project was completed without any borrowed funds. “We have seen it in Gov. Sule. We just commissioned an interchange, and he told us he did not borrow a penny for completion,” Tinubu said.

He also expressed gratitude to the governors in attendance, applauding their dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Seeing the governors here is truly an emotional day for me. Thank you for the way you showed up with grace and glory. Thank you for keeping your loyalty intact,” he said.

The Emir of Lafia, who chairs the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, welcomed the President warmly and commended his leadership style, especially in economic reform.

“Your Excellency, our President, our friend, our everything. You are welcome back to this hall. It started here when you came in some years ago. Like I said, you were here twice during the campaign. We were lucky; the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, was on an official tour of the state. And I told him: Your Excellency, one of the best among them is Tinubu because we are living witnesses,” the Emir said.

Recalling his time in Lagos while Tinubu was governor, the Emir noted, “During his term in office as Governor of Lagos, we saw how he turned around Lagos and made Lagos what it is today. You are translating the same into the Nigerian economy, and before you leave office, Nigeria will be great again.”

The Emir pledged the full support of the Emirate to President Tinubu and his administration.

Governor Abdullahi Sule welcomed the President at the airport and accompanied him to several commissioning ceremonies, including an interchange and flyover in central Lafia, a new state secretariat building, newly constructed roads, tractors for mechanised farming, and operational vehicles for security agencies.

Also present at the ceremonies were the governors of Kaduna, Imo, Borno, Ogun, Kwara, and Benue states, alongside the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman.

The visit marked a significant affirmation of the federal government’s partnership with Nasarawa State and its commitment to development across key sectors.