By Abel Zwanke, Lafia
The Future Planters LEAD Africa Festival 2025 ended on Sunday in Akwanga with a call for Governor Abdullahi Sule to contest the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat, as the group reiterated support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The appeal was made by Mr. Kefas Elisha Tigga, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Initiative for Character Moulding and Entrepreneurship Development (CiCMED), during a press briefing at Gaji Luxury Hotel.Tigga, who is also Chairman of Keftigga Group, said the call for Governor Sule to join the Senate was driven by the need for experienced leadership to guide national legislation, particularly in mining, agriculture, security and youth development.
He described this year’s festival, themed “Sowing the Seeds of Change, Harvesting the Future of Africa,” as a major success. According to him, the event helped strengthen the Future Planters Network across Northern Nigeria and the wider African region.Tigga disclosed that the 2025 edition trained hundreds of young people in leadership, agriculture, financial literacy, climate action and entrepreneurship.“Our network has now grown to over 14,000 members,” he said. “We are not just planning the future; we are planting and building it.”He noted that Nigeria is currently navigating a difficult socio-economic period and urged citizens to support President Tinubu as his administration implements nationwide reforms.“
Anyone who understands leadership knows this is not the easiest season for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Tigga stated. “But we choose unity and encouragement. We choose to stand with the President.”He added that the government’s reform agenda has begun to reflect in economic stability, improved resource allocation and increased support for innovation, agriculture and MSMEs.“This is not the time to tear down the nation with sentiments,” he said. “This is the time to build together.”
Tigga praised Governor Sule for what he described as quiet but impactful leadership, highlighting achievements in mining development, agricultural expansion, infrastructure growth and human capital investment.“The story of Nasarawa State cannot be told without your name written in gold,” he noted. “As your constitutionally allowed tenure draws near, we in the Future Planters Network urge you to contest for the Senate. This is not retirement; this is deployment.”
He emphasized that Sule’s technical and administrative experience would contribute meaningfully to national policymaking, especially in sectors critical to Nigeria’s long-term growth.Tigga also thanked volunteers, government agencies, partners and supporters of CiCMED’s initiatives for their contributions to the festival. He encouraged youths, private organizations and development partners to stay committed to nation-building.“ We believe in continuity, sustainability and leadership succession rooted in integrity,” he said. “Together, we will build a stronger Nasarawa, a stronger Nigeria and a rising Africa.”
