Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has urged citizens of the state to sustain unity and the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.

He made the call when speaking at the Nasarawa Carnival, a cultural event organised by the government to showcase its rich culture, in continuation of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation.

The Governor, who praised the state cultural troupe for their performance, thanked the President of the Global Alliance who came from Ireland, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Director-General of the National Tourism Board, and other participants for their presence at the event.

“Indeed, Nasarawa State has come of age. From what you have seen, you have demonstrated that we are still a people who are proud of their culture,” he said.

Sule commended the designers of the Solid Minerals Truck that showcased the mineral resources of the state, noting that Nasarawa was blessed with all seven critical minerals found in Nigeria.

He said the state has leveraged the endowment to attract investors who are not only mining but also processing the minerals in the state, including the largest lithium processing plant in Africa.

“All these are happening because of the way we live together as a people,” he noted.

On politics, the governor urged politicians to disagree with respect as elections approach, noting that power comes only from God Almighty.

“Elections are coming very soon. I know we cannot all be on the same page, but let us disagree with respect. Let us play democracy the way it’s supposed to be,” he said.

“Do not listen to anyone interested in causing disagreement between us when it comes to politics. We can disagree to agree, and we can agree to disagree. It is not a matter of life and death.”

Governor Sule thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms, which he said are enabling states to generate their own electricity, revenue and security.

He disclosed that Nasarawa State has received the bill on state police and will support its creation, saying it will help improve security in the state.

“Most investors who are looking at Nasarawa will only continue to look at Nasarawa if there is peace in Nasarawa,” he warned.

Reflecting on his administration since 2019, Sule said his team has improved peace, workers’ welfare, healthcare and education in the state.

He expressed happiness with the participation of the vocational and technical institute, saying its emphasis on labour aligns with his administration’s belief in skills for livelihood.

Governor Sule wished citizens a happy 30th anniversary and prayed that in the next 30 years, the transformation of the state will be even more remarkable.

“If somebody was here 30 years ago and comes to Lafia today, the person will not recognise that this is the same Lafia. This is the work of unity. This is the work of leadership. And this is what we must continue to do,” he added.