By Abel Zwanke, Lafia
Youth leaders in Nasarawa State have commended Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, Member representing Awe, Doma, and Keana Federal Constituency, for his sustained commitment to youth empowerment, education, and development initiatives across the state.
The commendation came on Thursday during a courtesy visit by over 100 youth leaders under the aegis of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nasarawa State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Comrade Jafar M. Loko, to the lawmaker at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, Comrade Loko described Nalaraba as “a true friend of the youth and a visionary leader devoted to human capital development.” He noted that the federal legislator’s consistent support for education, entrepreneurship, and skill acquisition had significantly impacted young people in the state.
The youth delegation particularly lauded Nalaraba for facilitating the establishment of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Keana, the first federal technical college of education in the North Central region. According to Loko, over 80 percent of the institution’s staff and 95 percent of its students are youths, underscoring the lawmaker’s dedication to educational development.
He also commended Nalaraba’s multi-million-naira scholarship programme, which benefited about 1,000 indigenous students, each receiving a minimum of N100,000. The youth leaders further praised his role in the Doma–Orozo Road Project, a major infrastructure initiative expected to open up new economic opportunities in the zone.
“Hon. Nalaraba has shown passion and foresight in driving Nasarawa State toward inclusive growth,” Loko stated. “He represents a beacon of hope for the youth and the future of our state.”
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to engaging constructively with political leaders and pledged that Nasarawa’s youths would remain “the catalyst for progress beyond 2027.”
Responding, Hon. Nalaraba thanked the delegation for their visit and pledged to continue prioritizing youth empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship.
“By January 2026, we will commence the second phase of our scholarship programme,” he announced. “We are also introducing a N500 million soft loan scheme for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to support local businesses and promote economic growth, in line with Governor Abdullahi Sule’s vision.”
The lawmaker also revealed plans to contribute N100 million to the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Scheme to provide health coverage for vulnerable and less privileged citizens.
“We are partnering with Governor Sule’s administration to ensure that the health needs of our vulnerable people are adequately addressed,” he added.
During the interactive session, Nalaraba confirmed his intention to contest the **2027 Nasarawa governorship election**, noting that consultations were ongoing across all senatorial zones.
“I have consulted widely and can confirm that I will be contesting in 2027,” he declared. “I remain loyal to Governor Sule’s leadership and aspire to build on his achievements for the benefit of our people.”
At the end of the meeting, the lawmaker presented a car gift to the youth leader and donated N10 million to support transportation and logistics for the delegation.
The visiting delegation included representatives from the National Youth Council (NYC), National Association of Nasarawa State Students (NASSA), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Eggon Youth Movement (EYM),Miyetti Allah Youth Wing, Gbagyi Youth Association, GWADECA, Afo Youth, Igbira, Agatu, Gyede, and several other youth groups.
