Zulum inaugurates Nasarawa Technology Village Phase I
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno on Monday inaugurated 100 housing units of the first phase of NasarawaTechnology Village (NTV) in Nasarawa State.
Zulum,while inaugurating the village, at Aso Pada, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, commended the initiative of Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State.
He described the exercise as ‘monumental’ adding that ”the project holds great promise for Nasarawa State.”
Zulum also inaugurated the ground breaking for the second phase of the project, which comprises the construction of a Technology Incubation Hub and 370 housing units.
He noted that it would help the state leverage on its abundant mineral resources to fuel innovation and technological advancements.
Zulum added that the state had the human capacity to transform into a technology hub, and urged the it to collaborate with the National Agency for Science Engineering Infrastructure and other relevant institutions.
”This, he said would turn the state’s resources into technological products that would lead to job creation for the youthful populace.
“The NTV is a testament to Gov. Sule’s commitment to harnessing the power of technology for the benefits of the people of Nasarawa State.
”The success of this project depends on the dedication of all stakeholders, committed partners, patriotic civil servants and public support.
“I have no doubt that with the support of everyone Gov. Sule’s led administration will successfully execute the two projects and propel Nasarawa State to new heights of prosperity and development,” he said.
In his remarks, Gov. Sule described the project as a cornerstone of the state’s economic development agenda.
He appreciated the partners who played a pivotal role in bringing the project to fruition.
He said his administration would continue to work towards instituting a thriving business environment that would attract more private capital to the state to bolster the State’s economy and propel growth.
Sule said “Our commitment to the economic transformation of Nasarawa state is unwavering. We are excited about the NTV as it is expected to industrialise our state”.
He called on the private sector to take advantage of the potential that abound in the state and the various incentives to partner with the government in establishing impactful projects such as the NTV project.
Sule acknowledged that Nasarawa state was open for business and together it would continue to forge ahead.
Managing Director of the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency (NASIDA), Ibrahim Abdullahi says the project portrays the success of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Nigeria.
According to him, it will bridge the housing deficit in the state by leveraging private sector capital and expertise.
On his part, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa says the project shows the vision of the state in improving human capital development and providing affordable housing for the people.
The Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Shehu Osidi congratulated the governor, developers and the Nasarawa people(beneficiaries ) of the project in Karu.
He said that the organisation was happy to know that the project would make a great impact by providing sustainable housing solutions and fostering development within communities.
“This stands as a testament to our collective progress in tackling the housing issues and empowering our people for prosperity.
“Through collaboration and determination, we can build the future which every individual will have access to safe and affordable housing,” Osidi said.
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), Bashir Adeniyi, represented by the Deputy Comptroller General, Festus Okun, noted that service was proud to be associated with such project.
According to him, apart from its core mandate of generating revenue, NSC takes the welfare of it officers seriously.
“This project is important to NSC because it will provide shelter for our officers who are working daily to secure and generate revenue deserve to be well taken care of in and out of service.
“NSC has fully embrace technology as one of the leading agencies when it comes to technology,” he said.
Okun encouraged the promoters of the project to work hard in ensuring the project was sustained, while assuring them that NSC would remain a reliable partner.
The Chairman of Karu Local Government Council, James Thomas, thanked everyone that contributed to the success of the project.
He said the people of Karu were privileged and happy to have such project in their community.
Present at the event were, the former governor of the state, Tanko Al-Makura, the Emir of Keffi , among others.
NAN reports that the Nasarawa Technology Village, is a fusion of technology and affordable housing comprising a housing estate and a technology hub.
NAN also reports that the project is a Public-Private Partnership between the Nasarawa State Government and ABS Blueprint with Modern Shelter Limited, and facilitated by the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency.
