Nasarawa State was established on October 1, 1996, by then Head of State, General Sani Abacha, alongside five other states created from Nigeria's six zones. The state shares boundaries with the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Taraba states, and was carved out of Plateau State. Prior to its creation, Lafia, the state capital, was a small town known for its food market and as a transit stop for travelers. With its new status, Lafia suddenly had to take on the responsibilities of a state capital.
The state's first administrator, Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim, was tasked with setting up the administrative machinery for the new state. On May 29, 1999, Nasarawa got its first democratically elected governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, who constructed the Government House and made significant contributions to the education sector and rural roads. Adamu's efforts laid the foundation for the state's growth, and his legacy continues to shape the state's development. The state has since grown and matured, with various administrations adding unique building blocks to its development.
Over the years, Nasarawa State has witnessed significant growth and development, with various governors making their mark. Alhaji Adamu established the Nasarawa State Polytechnic, College of Health Technology, School of Nursing, and Nasarawa State University, which have contributed to the state's educational development. His successor, Akwe Doma, implemented the Badakoshi programme, which boosted the state's agriculture sector by exporting yams to foreign lands, including the United Kingdom.
Governor Tanko Al-Makura succeeded Doma and focused on modernizing Lafia, opening up the state capital with infrastructure, especially roads. His efforts gave Lafia a semblance of a capital city and paved the way for future development. The state's growth and development have been shaped by the various administrations, each contributing to its unique growth story. The current governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, is taking the state to the next level by attracting industries, particularly in areas where the state has a comparative advantage, such as agriculture.
Under Governor Sule's leadership, Nasarawa State is turning its attention to the solid minerals sector, which is a significant contributor to the state's economy. The governor has attracted investors to establish a lithium factory, which is said to be the biggest in Africa and is generating substantial revenue for the government. The factory is a significant milestone in the state's industrialization efforts and is expected to contribute to the state's economic growth.
The lithium factory is a testament to the state's potential for industrialization and its rich mineral deposits. Nasarawa State is endowed with solid minerals, and the factory is a step towards harnessing these resources for commercialization. The state's transformation from a mainly civil service state to an industrial hub is underway, with the accompanying hustle and bustle of a thriving state. The growth and development of Nasarawa State are a story of vision, leadership, and collaboration.
As Nasarawa State celebrates 30 years of existence, it is clear that the state has come a long way since its creation. From a small town to an industrial hub, the state has grown and matured, with various administrations contributing to its unique growth story. The state's industrialization efforts, led by Governor Sule, are expected to continue shaping the state's future and contributing to Nigeria's economic growth.
Key points
- Nasarawa State has transformed from a sleepy town to an industrial hub under various administrations.
- The state has made significant progress in education, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
- The lithium factory established by Governor Sule is a significant milestone in the state's industrialization efforts.
