Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in leadership, stating that these values are essential for national development and societal advancement.
The governor stated this in Abuja while receiving the Governor of the Year award at the 2024 Verbatim Magazine Awards.
Sule delivered the keynote lecture at the magazine’s 13th anniversary event. titled “Changing Times & Challenge of Leadership in Nigeria: Candid Views of An Uncommon Patriot.”
“Leadership is all about problem solving. It’s about understanding your environment, understanding the solutions that the people need, and being transparent, accountable, and having a character that aligns with the wishes of the people,” Sule said.
“In Nasarawa State, that’s all we did. We came in with a focus, knowing what to do, and collectively as a team, we have done that. The state is better than what we met.”
The governor noted that even before assuming office, he conducted a feasibility study to assess Nasarawa State’s prospects, challenges, and opportunities, which later guided the development of the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS).
“We identified education, agriculture, mining, and health as our key areas of focus. But more importantly, we established the instruments needed to drive development in the state,” he said, adding that the strategy was developed with support from consulting firm KPMG.
Sule also highlighted the creation of an investment agency to attract investors to the state, which he described as “one of the richest states in Nigeria” in terms of potential and resources.”
He commended Verbatim Magazine for its commitment to investigative journalism over the past 13 years, describing its work as vital to democracy and good governance.
The Chairman of the occasion and Registrar of National Examination Council, NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushish, commended Verbatim Magazine for it’s commitment towards national development.
“Our activities in examination require that Nigerians be aware of what we are doing within and outside the headquarters of NECO and one of the most vibrant magazines that is covering our activities is the Verbatim magazine,” he said.
On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa, thanked the organiser for initiative, stressing that leadership has always been at the heart of national progress.
“Let me express my profound gratitude to the organisers, that is the editorial team of the Verbatim Magazine for this timely and insightful initiative.
“The challenges of leadership in Nigeria today are complex, requiring those in positions of authority to demonstrate resilience, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of good governance, national security and economic transformation. I must say the governor has shown the way. I’m not a politician but I agree and I need to point it out that he has been sincere in this lecture.
“As leaders, we must embrace innovative approaches, leverage technology and uphold principles of transparency and accountability to inspire confident among the peoples we serve. A critical aspect of leadership in changing times is ensuring national security. Security is the bedrock of stability, development and economic growth,” he said.
Earlier, the Editor in Chief, Verbatim, Mr. Tobs Agbaegbu, said his medium remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality journalism that informs, educates and inspires its audience.
“Today, we gather to commemorate a significant milestone in our journey as a leading voice in Nigerian journalism. We are among the best hands who exist in this country. We are products of the commoners’ work. Thirteen years ago, we embarked on a mission to provide insightful commentary, in-depth analysis and thought-provoking stories that shaped the narrative of our great nation,” he said.
