By Godwin Ojoshimite

Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-makura, disclosed yesterday that his administration has earmarked over N20 bn which it will secure through bonds to facilitate his administration’s desire to complement its ongoing urban renewal programme through the construction and upgrade of infrastructure in major towns across the state.

Al-makura, who stated this yesterday, while on a working visit to Akwanga,headquarters of Akwanga local government area said, his passion was borne out of the fact that the people are industrious and visionary.

The governor, who inspected ongoing projects in the town, particularly the sites for the construction of a palace for the newly installed paramount ruler of the Mada people, the Chun Mada, the 60-bed Akwanga hospital, the 500-stall market and the modern e-library, said the decision to upgrade the town was in line with his administration’s objective on environmental sustainability.

Al-makura stated that his government has identified Lafia, Akwanga and Nasarawa as part of the six urban centers to be upgraded with a view to
adding values to their the cosmopolitan nature.

As part of his visit,the governor also inspected the nearly completed Diamond Bank/AA Koto road, the completed Wamba road bye pass road as well as the PHCN power substation.

In a chat with journalists shortly after the inspection of Akwanga modern market, Al-Makura, said there is the need for the people to co-operate with his administration on its desire to bring development to the state.

He said the state Ministry for Lands and Survey in conjunction with the Nasarawa Geographic information Systems (NAGIS), will be on ground to ensure that the urban renewal projects are done according to standards.