Monarch appeals to Nigerians to shun negative tendencies in 2016

The District Head of Wakama in Nasarawa State, Mr Peter Angbazo, has appealed to Nigerians to avoid all negative tendencies in 2016 in order to achieve speedy development in the country.

He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at his palace in Wakama, Akun Development Area of the state.

He said the call became imperative due to the security challenges facing some parts of the country and due to the importance of peace to national development.

The district head also urged Nigerians to pray for better things in 2016, adding that “prayer is the key to success in every individual and government.

“Nigerians must fight for peace and shun all negative tendencies capable of tarnishing the image of the country in order to achieve speedy development in 2016 because peace is the necessary requirement for the development of any nation or society.

“Our role is to preach peace, unity and to advise Nigerians to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic, religion and political affiliation.

“This is because no nation or society can develop in an atmosphere of rancour and confusion, the security challenges facing some parts of the country has affected our lives and socio-economic development of the country negatively.’’

Angbazo called on Christian and Muslim leaders to pray for peaceful co-existence among the people of the diverse ethnic, religious and political group for the overall development of the country.

He also called for respect and support to constituted authorities in the interest of peace and national development “for us to enjoy more dividends of democracy.’’

Meanwhile, some residents of Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital have urged Gov. Umaru Al-Makura to fulfil his campaign promises in 2016.

The residents told NAN in separate interviews on Friday that the people wanted improved standards of living in the New Yaer and even beyond.

Malam Shehu Abdullahi, a trader in Lafia, said that before the demolition of the old Lafia Market, Al-Makura had promised to provide conducive market stalls for all traders affected but that the promised had not been met.

He said “we are still waiting and expecting the governor to fulfil his promise to us because there are no vacant shops left in the modern market. But we hope we will get space elsewhere to sell our goods.

“That is why we are appealing to him to fulfil this promise in this 2016 so that we can be able to feed our families and take care of ourselves.’’

Miss Mayo Simon, an unemployed graduate in Lafia also appealed to Gov. Al-Makura to fulfil his promise of employing 1,500 teachers across the state in 2016 so as to reduce the rate of unemployment and youth restiveness.

She said “the governor promised to train and employ 1,500 teachers. I pray to be one of those chosen because the situation many of us are facing in this state is not easy. So if we get the teaching job, it will reduce our hardship.’’

Mr Isiaka Dauda, a drug store owner, said although the governor had done a lot in the health sector, patients needed more in 2016 to cushion the hardship they face while seeking medical attention.

He said “the governor has said that one of his major priorities is the health sector and he has promised to revamp it. I expect him to make sure that the ongoing Lafia and Akwanga hospital projects are completed in 2016 so as to cushion the pressure on the few hospitals available in densely populated areas.

“I also expect the governor to build more health centres in rural areas and provide necessary health equipment so patients don’t need to travel out of the state for medical care anymore.’’

Aliyu Maikasuwa, a Lafia resident with a child living with disability, however, expressed optimism that his wish for his son to study in a special school for the disabled would be fulfilled in 2016.

According to him, all the three schools constructed by the state government for children with disabilities are almost complete.

He said “the governor even made it clear that before August, the schools will have started functioning full time. So, I am excited that my boy will start school in 2016.’’ (NAN)