A SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY, UMARU TANKO AL-MAKURA, GOVERNOR OF NASARAWA STATE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE FOUNDATION-LAYING CEREMONY OF THE LAFIA ULTRA MODERN MARKET ALONG TUDUN GWANDARA - KWANDARE ROAD, LAFIA: TUESDAY, 9TH SEPTEMBER, 2014 1. The Right Honourable Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly; 2. The Honourable Chief Judge of Nasarawa State; 3. The Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal; 4. The President, Customary Court of Appeal; 5. Principal Officers and Members of the State House of Assembly; 6. Members of the State Executive and Security Councils; 7. The Secretary to the State Government; 8. Special Advisers; 9. Permanent Secretaries; 10. His Royal Highness, the Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs; 11. The State Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC); 12. Chairmen and Chief Executives of Commissions, Boards and Parastatals; 13. Executive Chairmen of Local Government Councils present; 14. Your Royal Highnesses, Emirs and Chiefs; 15. Captains of Industry; 16. Our Project Contractors; 17. Gentlemen of the Press; 18. Ladies and gentlemen. It is with gratitude to Almighty God that I welcome you all to this epoch-making event of the foundation-laying ceremony of the Lafia Ultra Modern Market situated along Tudun Gwandara – Kwandare road in Lafia, the State capital. 2. You would recall that when I commissioned the Lafia Modern Market a few months ago, I had announced the commitment of this Administration to the transformation of trade and commerce in the State. This is anchored on our conviction that commercial activities are, indeed, a vista for the desired economic growth of our State. 3. As we perform this ceremony, I am happy to state that work is already at an advanced stage on the Keffi Modern Market, while the foundation of a similar market in Akwanga will also be laid before the end of this week. 4. Ladies and gentlemen, today’s event marks yet another milestone in our determination to expand the horizon for active participation of our people in meaningful trade and commerce. It is our hope and expectation that this initiative will reduce our total dependence on oil revenue from the Federal Government. 5. I need to point out that the Lafia Ultra Modern Market which foundation we are about to lay is envisaged to be an edifice that will be executed in four (4) phases. To achieve this noble objective, Government contracted a consultant, Messrs Canonic Associates who had produced an architectural design of the market. 6. When completed, the market will be a versatile source of employment for our teeming people. The facility will have the following components: i. Shops; ii. Warehouses; iii. Cold room; iv. Open market; v. Administrative block; vi. Banks; vii. Police/Security posts; viii. Fire Service station; ix. Public conveniences; x. Parking lots; and xi. Clinic. 7. It is instructive, ladies and gentlemen, that this market is situated just a few kilometres from our proposed cargo airport. This is intended to reduce haulage time for goods and services, as well as cut down stress in business transaction. 8. At this juncture, I need to call on the contractors handling this project to keep faith with the terms of the contract for the benefit of our people. 9. Let me use this auspicious occasion to once again appeal to the good people of Nasarawa State to continue to live in peace and harmony with one another. This, no doubt, is the only guarantee for the development of the Nasarawa State of our dream. 10. On this note, it is my pleasure to lay the foundation stone of the Lafia Ultra Modern Market. 11. Thank you and God bless.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 18:53:40 +0000
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