Bardef News Network-BNN

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

NUDA MD, Engr. Muhammad Yahaya Wada Receives NATE Award of Excellence.

By Gambo Abdullahi, 02/09/2026

LAFIA – The Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Urban Development Agency, NUDA, Engr. Muhammad Yahaya Wada, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence by the Nigerian Association of Technologies in Engineering, NATE.

The presentation took place on Wednesday in the conference room of the MD’s office at NUDA Headquarters, Lafia, in the presence of other members of the Agency’s management team.

Leading the delegation, the Nasarawa State Chairman of NATE, Engr.Tgst. Abdulkareem Kasali FNATE R-COREN , said the award was in recognition of Engr. Wada’s sterling leadership, professionalism and his contributions to the development of urban infrastructure in Nasarawa State.

Also in attendance were the State Technical Secretary of NATE, Dr. Osana I.A. Keana, and other executive members of the association.

According to Engr. Abdulkareem, NUDA under Engr. Wada’s watch has recorded remarkable progress in the areas of urban planning, layout design, and the enforcement of development control, which align with the association’s drive for excellence in the engineering profession.

Responding, the NUDA Managing Director expressed appreciation to NATE for finding him worthy of the honour. He dedicated the award to His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, for his visionary leadership and support to the agency.

Engr. Wada pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by working harder to ensure NUDA delivers on its mandate of creating sustainable, organized and livable urban centers across the state.

He further assured NATE and other professional bodies of the Agency’s readiness to partner in promoting technical excellence and best practices in engineering and urban development.

The event ended with the presentation of the award plaque and a group photograph with management staff of NUDA.

28/08/2026

"A Well-Deserved Retention": Nasarawa Aides Congratulate Dr. Margaret Elayo on Reappointment as Commissioner.

The Forum of Personal Assistants to the Nasarawa State Governor has congratulated Princess Dr. Margaret Elayo on her reappointment as Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining by His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi A. Sule.

In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of the Forum, Mu'azu Jibrin Madaki, said the reappointment is a clear endorsement of Dr. Elayo’s outstanding performance, integrity, and commitment to the development agenda of the present administration.

“On behalf of my colleagues and well-wishers across Nasarawa State, I extend our warmest congratulations to Princess Dr. Margaret Elayo on this well-deserved retention,” Madaki stated.

He described the Ministry of Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining as central to both environmental sustainability and the economic prosperity of the state, noting that Governor Sule’s decision reflects strong confidence in Dr. Elayo’s capacity to deliver.

“As Commissioner, you have demonstrated visionary leadership. You have championed policies on environmental sustainability, climate action, erosion control, and public sensitization on waste management,” he said.

“At the same time, you have provided strategic direction in harnessing Nasarawa’s vast solid mineral resources in a responsible and transparent manner that directly benefits our people.”

Madaki further commended Dr. Elayo for her efforts in attracting investors, formalizing artisanal mining, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards — steps he said have positioned Nasarawa as a model for other states.

“As we begin this new chapter, I am confident that under your stewardship, the Ministry will achieve even greater milestones. Our environment will be better protected for future generations, and the solid minerals sector will continue to create jobs, increase revenue, and drive inclusive growth in line with Governor Sule’s vision of ‘Industrialization for Wealth Creation and Employment’,” he added.

The Forum Chairman pledged the continued support and prayers of the group, and prayed God to grant Dr. Elayo greater wisdom, strength, and grace in the discharge of her duties.

“Once again, congratulations, Ma. Nasarawa is proud of you,” Madaki concluded.

Signed:
Mu'azu Jibrin Madaki.
_Chairman,_
_Forum of Personal Assistants to His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule,_
_Executive Governor of Nasarawa State_

27/08/2026

Bukan-Ari Community Pledges Compliance as NUDA Warns Against Illegal Speed Bumps in Lafia.

By: Gambo Abdullahi.
28/08/2026

The Bukan-Ari community in Lafia has pledged to remain law-abiding by desisting from the unauthorized placement of speed bumps on public roads within the area.

The commitment was made on Thursday during a meeting with the management of the Nasarawa State Urban Development Agency, NUDA, led by its Managing Director, Engr. Muhammad Yahaya Wada, in his office in Lafia.

The Village Head of Bukan-Ari, Ibrahim Audu, explained that the illegal bumps were erected due to frequent road accidents in the area. He, however, said the community has removed them in compliance with NUDA’s directive to allow the agency to handle such installations professionally.

In his response, Engr. Wada said the state government is concerned about the safety of residents and has concluded plans to site appropriate speed bumps in selected areas across the state capital.

He urged communities to exercise patience and support government efforts aimed at ensuring safer roads.

It will be recalled that NUDA has expressed serious concern over the increasing and indiscriminate construction of speed bumps, digging, and placement of objects on roads in towns and cities across the state, particularly in Lafia.

The agency said such unauthorized actions damage public roads, cause avoidable accidents, and lead to unnecessary traffic congestion.

NUDA, therefore, urged members of the public to immediately desist from the act. The agency also directed that all existing unauthorized speed bumps and objects on public roads be removed without delay.

The agency further advised residents who require speed bumps in their areas for safety reasons to submit a formal application to NUDA for proper assessment and approved siting.

“Let us work together to protect our roads and ensure the safety of all road users,” Engr. Wada stated.

27/08/2026

Gov. Sule Reaffirms Commitment to Clean Nasarawa as State Holds Monthly Sanitation Exercise Saturday.

By: Gambo Abdullahi,
28/08/2026

The Nasarawa State Government has reiterated its commitment to a cleaner, healthier and more climate-resilient state ahead of this Saturday’s monthly sanitation exercise.

The Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining, Dr. Margaret Elayo, gave the assurance on Thursday while presiding over a meeting of the State Sanitation Committee in her office in Lafia.

Dr. Elayo expressed concern over the persistent habit of indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly in Lafia, the state capital, where residents dump refuse into drainage channels.
She said the practice blocks waterways, triggers flooding, and poses serious environmental and public health risks.

“The government is investing billions of naira to provide critical infrastructure, including drainage channels, to improve the lives of our people. It is therefore important that residents complement these efforts by keeping their environment clean,” she stated.

The Commissioner appealed to citizens to desist from acts that worsen environmental challenges already heightened by climate change.
“As a government, we are doing our part. I urge residents to also do theirs by maintaining proper hygiene and supporting sanitation efforts across the state,” Dr. Elayo added.

She also charged the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority to scale up waste evacuation and ensure prompt clearing of refuse from streets and designated collection points.

On the monthly sanitation exercise, Dr. Elayo called on all committee members, stakeholders, and residents to mobilize for full participation to ensure its success.

In his remarks, the General Manager of the Nasarawa State Environmental Protection Agency, NASEPA, Malam Iliya Yusuf Adeka, announced that the exercise will hold on Saturday, 30th August, 2026, from 7:00am to 10:00am.

He urged residents to clean their surroundings during the hours of restriction and dispose of waste only at approved collection points for onward evacuation to final dumping sites.

The meeting was attended by representatives of ministries, parastatals, agencies, the media, and security agencies.

26/08/2026

Loko Community Pledges Unflinching Support to Gov. Sule’s Administration, Hails Appointment of Ja’afar Yakubu as Permanent Secretary.

By: Gambo Abdullahi,
26/08/2026.

The people of Loko Community in Nasarawa Local Government Area have reaffirmed their total support for the administration of His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, describing it as inclusive, people-oriented, and committed to equitable development across the state.

The pledge was made during a well-attended gathering of youths, elders, women, and teeming supporters held in Loko on Tuesday. The event was convened to appreciate the Governor for appointing one of their own, Ja’afar Yakubu Loko, as Permanent Secretary in the Nasarawa State Civil Service, and for siting critical government projects in the area.

The community, leaders described the appointment of Ja’afar Yakubu as a testament to Governor Sule’s commitment to recognizing competence, integrity, and hard work irrespective of background.

“Loko Community will forever remain grateful to His Excellency for finding our son worthy of this appointment and for remembering us with key projects that have touched lives directly,” one of the elders stated.

The gathering described Ja’afar Yakubu Loko as a hardworking, trusted, and reliable personality with a proven record of service. They expressed strong confidence in his capacity, diligence, and dedication in the discharge of his duties at the Ministry for Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs.

“We have no doubt that he will continue to justify the confidence reposed in him by serving with excellence and upholding the vision of the 'New Nasarawa' agenda,” a youth leader added.

Women and youth groups at the event took turns to commend the Governor for his fatherly disposition and for carrying every community along in governance. They pledged to mobilize massively for the continuity of the administration’s policies and programs.

The community also used the occasion to drum support for the sustenance of the developmental strides recorded under Governor Sule’s leadership, vowing to remain loyal partners in building a stronger Nasarawa State.

With songs and prayers, the people of Loko said the appointment and ongoing projects have further united them behind the Governor and his vision for the state.

26/08/2026

Gov. Sule Inaugurates ACReSAL Heavy-Duty Machines to Tackle Climate Change and Land Degradation in Nasarawa.

By: Gambo Abdullahi
26/08/2026.

The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, on Tuesday inaugurated a fleet of heavy-duty machines acquired under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, ACReSAL, Project at the State Secretariat Complex, Shendam Road, Lafia.

The acquisition was facilitated by the Nasarawa State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in partnership with the ACReSAL Project. The initiative is aimed at boosting the state’s capacity to respond to climate change impacts and promote sustainable landscape management across communities.

Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Sule said the equipment would enable the state to proactively address environmental challenges, particularly land degradation, flooding, and erosion, which continue to threaten livelihoods in many parts of the state.

The new assets handed over by ACReSAL include: a motor grader, bulldozer, dump truck, and a low-bed truck with crane. According to the Ministry, these machines will be deployed for practical interventions such as land reclamation, dredging of waterways, road maintenance in project sites, and other climate resilience activities across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state.

Governor Sule noted that the intervention aligns with his administration’s commitment to the "New Nasarawa" agenda, which prioritizes environmental sustainability, food security, and the well-being of rural communities.

He charged the Ministry of Environment and relevant agencies to ensure proper use and maintenance of the equipment to guarantee maximum benefit for the people.

The ACReSAL Project is a World Bank-supported program focused on increasing the adoption of sustainable landscape management practices in northern Nigeria, with Nasarawa State as one of the key beneficiaries.