LAFIA (Sundiata Post) – The Nasarawa State Government says it will pay for the 2024 National Examinations Council (NECO) registration fee for all final year students in public secondary schools in the state.
Gov. Abdullahi Sule disclosed this on Monday in Lafia, while inaugurating four newly appointed permanent secretaries, as well as the executive Chairman and members of the Nasarawa State Disabilities Rights Commission.
“Our government has taken a decision to pay NECO registration fees for all our secondary school students who are in their finals this year.
”However, there are some who have already paid, they will be refunded.
Sule also said that his administration would embark on the distribution of food items as palliative to all the indigenous students of tertiary institutions.
The governor pointed out that President Bola Tinubu was fully aware of the hardship being experienced by Nigerians, and was working hard through the governors and other agencies to cushion the effects.
“Nasarawa State has just concluded the distribution of food items throughout the state in order to bring relief to the people.
“This week, we are going to all our tertiary institutions to distribute items to the students,” he said.
He added that his administration was working hard industrialise the state and boost agricultural activities in order to engage the people in meaningful ventures.
“Nasarawa State is currently working on the acquisition of 10, 000 hectares of land in order for us to be able to produce some crops such as rice and maize.
“But more importantly, to engage our people so that we can provide for the people and cushion the effects of the hardships,” he said.
He noted that palliatives was a temporary measure, adding that the government was committed to providing the people a permanent means of livelihood.
Sule charged the new appointees, especially the new permanent secretaries, to shun corruption by imbibing the culture and principles of transparency, accountability, and probity, in line with the posture of his administration.
He further urged them to ensure budgetary discipline and prudence in the management of public resources.
He noted that the inauguration of the executive chairman and members of the state’s disabilities rights commission was in line with the resolve of his administration to give every citizen of the state a sense of belonging.
He said that the coming onboard of the Nasarawa State Disabilities Rights Commission was also in accordance with the National Disabilities Act 2018, which encourages the promotion, protection, and prioritisation of the rights of the people with disability.
“It is also to enhance their productivity through education, health, and other socio-economic activities,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Idris Umar-Idris, one of the newly inaugurated Permanent Secretary representing Keffi Local Government Area, appreciated Gov. Sule for finding them worthy of the appointments.
He pledged that they would not to fail in the discharge of their duties. (NAN)