By Igba Kuza, Lafia
The Federal Government has approved the construction of two dams in Lafia, Tide, and the completion of the Farin Ruwa project for hydropower generation, irrigation and water supply in the state.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule confirmed the development when he presided over the State Executive Council Meeting held at the Government House Lafia over the weekend.
The Governor tendered a letter of approval for the projects from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and signed by the Minister, Engr. Joseph Utsev to that effect.
According to him, the Minister wrote to inform the state government about the projects, while also requesting for support in the areas of community sensitisation, compensation, and security from sites of the projects.
Governor Sule equally presented another letter before the council from the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, requesting him to approve to host the sixth edition of the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development in Lafia in August this year.
Alake said in the letter that Nasarawa State is selected to host the national council on mining and mineral resources for the years 2024 and 2025 because of the prominent role the state is playing in the area of solid minerals development.
The council also deliberated on the planned visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state to commission some projects as part of activities marking his second year in office.
The Governor disclosed that he is in receipt of communication indicating that the President is willing to visit Nasarawa State between 16th and 25th of June, urging members of the council to immediately commence efforts to prepare for the event.
Also, as part of the agenda for the meeting, the Governor brought up the issue of the N9.75bn refund from the Federal Government for taking over ownership of the Lafia Airport, now known as Usman Dan Fodio Airport.
He briefed the council about his earlier meeting with critical stakeholders where it was decides to deploy the refund towards completing the Kwandere-Sabon Gida road.