The Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has solicited the cooperation and partnership of financial institutions operating in the state to enable his administration execute key projects aimed at improving the living standard of residents of the state.
He made the appeal while speaking as special guest of honour at the 2019 end of year Bankers Dinner and Award Night, in Lafia, on Saturday.
The governor reiterated that without the support of banks, most of his administration’s plans and policies may not be realized.
Highlighting on major areas of interest, Engineer Sule unfolded the Nasarawa State Economic Development Strategy (NEDS), with specific attention on promoting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Engineer Sule equally sought the support of financial institutions in bringing to fruition the Federal Government-driven National Livestock Transformation Programme.
Six locations have been identified across the state, with work on two about to commence.
“It’s actually going to be more of a livestock market, where the meat, skin work, yoghurt, and all other support services will be part and parcel of the business. That will not go anywhere without the support of the banks,” he stated.
On the Karu International market, the Governor disclosed that following the arrival of big traders from Kano state to take up shops in the market, there is need to have a bank or even banks inside the premises.
He also sought the partnership of banks at the ongoing Karu Mega Bus Terminus, which, according to him, is being envisioned to be the biggest revenue earner for the state, with the bus stop able to park 900 vehicles at a time.
“With that, we will be able to eliminate any other bus stop within the Masaka-Mararaba-Karu-Nyanya area. By doing so, we are also going to establish banks inside the terminal.
“Everything we are doing, we are taking you into consideration to make sure that we do business together,” Sule reiterated.
Speaking earlier, Nasarawa State Commissioner of Finance and Economic Planning, Haruna Adamu Ogbole, called on the commercial banks operating in the state to consider issuing single digit loans to prospective customers.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Chairman, Lafia Bankers Committee, who doubles as Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Samson Isuwa, said the dinner and award night provided the opportunity to showcase what the CBN, in conjunction with the banks, have been able to do last year, to make sure that the economy of the state and country at large, is up and doing.
ExpressDay reports that the Bankers Committee presented Governor Sule with an award of excellence for his sterling leadership qualities since assumption of office.
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