SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, ON THE OCCASION OF A WORKING VISIT TO PLATEAU SATE ON 8TH MARCH, 2018

Protocols:

 
It is with great pleasure that I am here among the good people of Plateau State on this occasion of working visit to the State.  This visit has indeed enabled me to see things for myself, especially the developmental strides recorded by the State Government in the last three years under the able leadership of Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

As stated by His Excellency the Governor of Plateau State in his address, I must admit that this visit is a home-coming for me since part of the years of my military career was spent here when I was the GOC of the 3 Armoured Division Jos.  Indeed, it was from here, that I was summoned to assume duty as Head of State in January 1984.  With some feelings of nostalgia, I am therefore glad to be here once more to savour the scenic beauty of the State and the uncommon hospitality of its people.
 

I am very impressed by the remarkable achievements recorded by the State Government in key sectors of the economy in the last three years despite limited resources.  In particular, the judicious use of funds by the Plateau State Government.  I have noted how the Government has improved infrastructure, how it has been up-to-date in the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, and above all how it has restored peace in the State.  Congratulations, Your Excellency.

The achievements of the Plateau State Government in agriculture are quite laudable.  I am glad that the state government has fully keyed into the All Green Initiative and the Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme of the Federal Government considering the strategic importance of agriculture to our national development.  Equally commendable is Plateau State’s commitment to the African Development Bank-funded Potato Value Chain Support Project, which is targeted at wealth creation, employment generation and food security.  The Federal Government is also committed to the success of this project in Plateau state.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I commend the principle of continuity adopted by the Governor of Plateau State whereby he has continued with execution of projects abandoned by the previous administration.  This approach has saved the state from waste and white elephant projects.  I have noted the request for refund of funds expended on the rehabilitation of the Jos-Bukuru-Mararaba Jema’a Road which is a Federal road project and other interventions.  Federal Government will expedite action towards the refund of verified claims by the Plateau State Government. 

The Federal Government’s intervention in the construction of the Pankshin-Tapshin-Gambrar-Sara-Kai-Gindiri Road to Metropolitan Construction Company Ltd; Execution of TETFUND Projects; Bail-Out Funds; Paris Club Refunds and N-Power Scheme are part of Federal Government’s commitment towards improving the lot of people in Plateau state and in the country at large.

Furthermore, I have listened to some requests by the Governor of Plateau State.  His request for more slots for the State in Federal appointments will be looked into so as to reflect federal character in line with the Federal Government’s determination to address issues of marginalization in the spread of appointments and other privileges. Similarly, the genuine concern and request for dualization and construction of the road from Abuja to Jos and as gateway extending to the North East, given the economic viability and conveniences will be put into consideration.

I sincerely thank the Government and people of Plateau state for turning out en mass to welcome us.  This shows your support and faith in our Government’s efforts at returning the country to the path of progress and genuine development.  I wish to encourage your Excellency to continue with the good work you are doing, and I wholeheartedly congratulate you for uniting the people of Plateau towards a better future.  I am indeed quite impressed with gains and successes recorded in the area of conflict management and peace-building, which has returned this state to the path of relative peace.

          As I formally endorse and launch the Plateau State Roadmap to Peace, let me express the Federal Government’s commitment to support and assist the Peace Building Agency in its effort to arrest the vicious cycle of violence and lay the foundation for sustainable peace in our country.

Finally, it is my singular honour and privilege to launch the Plateau State Roadmap to Peace document for the benefit of the people of the state and of Nigeria at large.

Thank you and God Bless Plateau State! God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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President Buhari Speech on the Occasion of his Official Visit to Plateau State