The Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has received the Nigerian Excellence Award in Public Service for his contributions to the agriculture sector.
President Muhammadu Buhari presented the award to Gov. Sule, at a ceremony in the Presidential Villa, Abuja Nigeria’s capital.
Gov. Sule dedicated the award to the people of Nasarawa State, investors who believe in the state and invested in agriculture, as well as the communities where these investments were sited.
In a chat with the Government House Press Crew, shortly after receiving the award, Gov. Sule said Nasarawa State never had it so good, especially after about 13 indigenes of the state, including traditional rulers, community leaders, politicians, and another category of people, who received the National Merit Award last week.
“It’s something new for our state in the sense that the merit award you are talking about last week, we had about 13 indigenes of Nasarawa State from traditional rulers, to community leaders, to other politicians and so many categories of our people who received the award ”
Sule appreciated the people of Nasarawa State for their support, adding that the state government remains grateful to the Federal Government, especially President Buhari and the committee for the nomination for the recognition.
“Naturally, I will feel happy, naturally I will also feel excited and I will feel highly grateful to the Almighty Allah, for allowing us to witness what we are witnessing for our state today”, he added
The Executive Secretary of, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib also received the NEAPS award in the area of health.
The Governor further disclosed that a Kenyan investor, recently indicated interest to engage in commercial agriculture around the Tida Dam, in Akwanga Local Government Area.
“The award has come in handy and we are very grateful,” he stated.
Gov. Sule was among 15 other state governors honored by the President.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan was equally among the 44 prominent Nigerians that received the awards.
The Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service was set up to recognise distinguished public service to Nigeria, either contributions to individuals, state or local community, or the public through excellence in leadership, service, or humanitarianism.
To be eligible, the recipient must be a living Public Official or a private citizen excelling consistently in a given sphere of influence, in good character standing, and must also be at the forefront of service and innovation.
Dominica Nwabufo
